SPR systems
Biacore™ SPR systems monitor molecular interactions in real time, enabling precise analysis of e.g. affinity and kinetics. Their sensitivity, high throughput and robustness support quality data across research, drug discovery, development, and QC.
Frequently asked questions
What is a SPR system?
Surface plasmon resonance (SPR), is a label-free and biophysical technology that monitors molecular interactions in real-time and allows you to differentiate between variances in affinity and kinetic properties, even for interactions with challenging targets or molecules.
What is SPR used for?
Surface plasmon resonance allows you to:
- Understand the relationship between molecule structure and function.
- Identify hits from screening campaigns and characterize leads
- Screen and characterize antibodies and proteins based on yes/no binding, affinity, and kinetics. From the fastest on-rates to the slowest off-rates.
- Quantify protein by measuring the concentration of active protein with retained biological function.
- Validate results from other techniques/approaches such as ELISA, HTS, or other orthogonal biophysical methods.
How does SPR work?
In Biacore™ system SPR assays, target molecules (most frequently proteins) are immobilized on a sensor surface and a sample containing a potential interacting partner in solution is injected over the surface through a series of flow cells. During the interaction, polarized light is directed toward the sensor surface and the angle of minimum intensity reflected light is detected. This angle changes as molecules bind and dissociate and the interaction profile is recorded in real-time in a sensorgram. The schematic illustration below shows a sensorgram. The bars below the curve indicate the solutions that pass over the sensor surface.
What is the principle of SPR?
Surface plasmon resonance principle occurs when polarized light strikes an electrically conducting surface at the interface between two media. This generates electron charge density waves called plasmons, which reduce the intensity of reflected light at a specific angle known as the resonance angle, in proportion to the mass on a sensor surface. Surface plasmon resonance allows you to perform analysis of molecular interaction analysis in real time.