MicroCal PEAQ-DSC is a highly sensitive, easy-to-use Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) that provides insights into biomolecular stability without labelling or use of artificial probes.

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Manufacturer	Malvern Panalytical
Product Series	Malvern MicroCal DSC
Measurement principle	Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
Application	Biomolecular Interactions
Sample type	Proteins, biomolecules
Sample throughput	up to 6 samples/8hr
Working cell volume	130 µL
Typical sample concentration	0.01 to 10mg/mL
Maximum scan rate	240ºC/h
Temperature range-10 ºC to 130 ºC	2ºC to 130 ºC
Response time	5s

MicroCal PEAQ-DSC is a highly sensitive Differential Scanning Calorimeter used to accurately determine the transition midpoint (T_M) and provide insights into biomolecular stability and the mechanisms of folding and unfolding. It measures very tight binding constants, up to 10²⁰M^-1 and allows for unattended operation after sample loading. This complete system requires no additional accessories, reagents or consumables.

Differential Scanning Calorimetry generates a thermodynamic profile to provide insight into the factors that affect conformation and stability. During a measurement, the reference and sample cells are heated at a constant scan rate which causes the molecule to undergo a conformational change such as unfolding. This results in the absorption of heat with the midpoint (T_M) indicating stability and the area under the curve (ΔH) giving the enthalpy of the process.

Typical applications include determining protein stability and the thermodynamics of unfolding, antibody domain structure determination and the characterisation of membranes, lipids and detergent micellar systems

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Demonstration Benefits Applications FAQs

Label Free
Molecules can be studied in their native state without labelling. It requires minimal assay development and is ideally suited for solutions that interfere with optical measurements including turbid, coloured or particulate samples.

Excellent chemical resistance
Nonreactive Tantalum cells ensure excellent chemical resistance and inertness when working with proteins and other biomolecules.

Includes ThermoVac sample preparation and cleaning device
Complete system requires no additional accessories, reagents or consumables. Once the samples are loaded it operates unattended, freeing the user for other tasks.

Intuitive software
Designed to streamline workflow by providing simplified experimental setup. A range of thermodynamic fitting models support a variety of applications and further aid data analysis and interpretation.

Characterising and selecting the most stable protein or biotherapeutic candidate in drug discovery
Eliminate protein or biotherapeutic candidates likely to have long-term stability issues
Optimising expression, purification and manufacturing conditions in drug discovery
Rapidly and easily determining the conditions for liquid formulation in drug discovery
Using DSC to study antibody Fab region stability for improved biotherapeutic development

How does the MicroCal PEAQ-DSC measure protein stability?

The PEAQ-DSC uses differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to measure the heat absorbed by a biomolecule as it is heated, maintaining thermal equilibrium between the sample and a reference cell. It quantifies the temperature midpoint of unfolding (T_M), the enthalpy of unfolding (ΔH), and the heat capacity change (ΔC_p) — all without labelling or the use of artificial probes.

What sample volume and concentration does the PEAQ-DSC require?

The PEAQ-DSC has a capillary tantalum cell volume of 130 uL. Manual filling requires approximately 250 uL of sample. The instrument operates across a typical concentration range of 0.01 to 10 mg/mL, making it suitable for precious or dilute samples.

What is the throughput and temperature range of the PEAQ-DSC?

The PEAQ-DSC operates over a temperature range of 2°C to 130°C at a maximum scan rate of 240°C/hour. Throughput is up to 6 samples per 8-hour working period.

What biopharmaceutical applications is the PEAQ-DSC used for?

The PEAQ-DSC is used across biopharmaceutical discovery, development, and manufacturing for protein characterisation and stability assessment, formulation development, batch-to-batch comparability, biosimilar and biocomparability studies, liposome and membrane system analysis, and ligand binding affinity ranking.

Does the PEAQ-DSC support regulatory compliance requirements?

Yes. The optional PEAQ-Compliance software module provides electronic signatures and a full audit trail to support 21 CFR Part 11 and Annex 11 regulatory requirements. The system is also network-ready with email progress alerts. Additional software modules include PEAQ-Smart for SOP-based operation, PEAQ-Compare for biosimilarity trace comparison, and PEAQ-Performance for automated system readiness validation.

Does the PEAQ-DSC require labelling reagents or consumables?

No. The PEAQ-DSC is entirely label-free and requires no additional reagents, probes, or consumables beyond the sample itself. Malvern Panalytical describes it as the gold standard stability-indicating technique requiring minimal assay development, which also reduces ongoing running costs.

What level of reproducibility does the PEAQ-DSC deliver?

The PEAQ-DSC achieves a Tm reproducibility of less than 0.08 degrees C standard deviation and an enthalpy reproducibility of less than 2% RSD. Baseline noise is 0.05 uCal/degrees C. These performance figures support the high-integrity stability data required in regulated biopharmaceutical environments.

Can I have a demonstration or free trial of the PEAQ-DSC?

Yes, if a system is available. Contact us for a booking. We can arrange a personalised demo and test your samples within our lab facility in Sydney. Onsite free trials are also available. Contact us or complete a request a demo form to get started.

MicroCal PEAQ-DSC Automated is a highly sensitive, fully automated Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) that provides insights into biomolecular stability without labelling or use of artificial probes.

Make product enquiry Book a demo

Manufacturer	Malvern Panalytical
Product Series	Malvern MicroCal DSC
Measurement principle	Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
Application	Biomolecular Interactions
Sample type	Proteins, biomolecules
Sample throughput	up to 50/ 24h (unattended)
Working cell volume	130µL
Typical sample concentration	0.01 to 10 mg/mL
Maximum scan rate	240 ºC/h
Temperature range	2ºC to 130ºC
Typical time per scan	35 to 55 min
Maximum scans per day	~50 in 24h (unattended)
Response time	5s
Sample capacity	288 (6 x 96-well plates)

MicroCal PEAQ-DSC Automated is a highly sensitive, fully automated, high-throughput Differential Scanning Calorimeter for characterising protein and biomolecule stability. It has an active cell volume of just 130 µL, allowing thermodynamic measurements of even precious samples. For high throughput work, a fully integrated auto-sampler enables running of up to 50 samples per day. All filling, injection, and cell cleaning functions are fully automated for walk-away operation.

Resources

Demonstration Benefits Applications FAQs

Excellent chemical resistance
Nonreactive Tantalum cells ensure excellent chemical resistance and inertness when working with proteins and other biomolecules.

High throughput and sensitivity with low sample consumption
Active cell volume of 130 µL, with concentration requirements as low as 0.01 mg/mL, allows thermodynamic measurement of scarce or precious samples. Matched capillary cells provide fast scan rates and fast temperature equilibration. Auto-sampler enables walk away operation for up to 50 samples to be screened per day.

Characterising and selecting the most stable protein or biotherapeutic candidate in drug discovery
Eliminate protein or biotherapeutic candidates likely to have long-term stability issues
Optimising expression, purification and manufacturing conditions in drug discovery
Rapidly and easily determining the conditions for liquid formulation in drug discovery
Using DSC to study antibody Fab region stability for improved biotherapeutic development