Malvern MicroCal PEAQ ITC measures heat released or absorbed during biochemical binding events to calculate binding affinity (KD), stoichiometry (n), enthalpy (ΔH) and entropy (ΔS) in a single experiment. MicroCal PEAQ ITC offers a wide affinity range combined with excellent signal to noise, fast response times, low sample consumption and automated maintenance processes. The next generation software makes easy work of the measurement process and analysis with embedded multimedia guided workflows. The system is also upgradable to the MicroCal PEAQ-ITC Automated.
The system uses Isothermal Titration calorimetry (ITC), a technique that requires NO labelling and minimal assay development. ITC is an essential tool in drug discovery and enables the study of biomolecular interactions as well as changes in conformation such as protein unfolding. It can also be used to measure enzyme kinetics.
The PEAQ ITC micro calorimeter comprises two cells — a sample cell in which the titration experiment is performed, and a reference cell which contains only water. A series of small aliquots of ligand are injected into the sample or protein solution. If binding occurs between the ligand and protein, heat changes of a few millionths of a degree Celsius are detected and measured until the binding reaction has reached equilibrium. The quantity of heat measured is directly proportional to the amount of binding which helps the user understand the nature of the interaction.