Biacore 1S+ Surface Plasmon Resonance Instrument

About This Grant

Project Summary In this proposal, a group of accomplished molecular scientists at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center requests funds for a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) device: the Biacore 1S+ model of SPR instrument manufactured by Cytiva. SPR is a well-established method to detect intermolecular interactions that is currently unavailable at UTSW. It utilizes as a sensor a thin metal surface near which a molecule (the “ligand”) is immobilized. A binding partner (the “analyte”) is flowed over this surface. As the analyte associates with the ligand, mass is added to the zone near to the metal. Concurrently, polarized light is reflected off of this surface, and the added mass can be detected by the angle at which the reflected light is effectively absorbed; this is the angle at which electron waves (surface plasmons) resonate with the energy of the incident light. Because the mass accumulation is detected in real time across several analyte concentrations, the resulting data can be analyzed to reveal the strength of the interaction and its kinetic aspects, both of which are important for the mechanistic characterization of such interactions. UTSW has a vigorous program of molecular research, and the Biacore 1S+ fills a need for many of our scientists. Specifically, our assembled group of investigators is mostly interested in the interactions of small, drug-like molecules binding to macromolecular drug targets, an application at which the Biacore 1S+ excels due to its extremely high sensitivity. Successful characterizations of such interactions is a critical step in the identification and optimization of new drug candidates. Other areas of research that would be enabled by the sensitivity of the Biacore 1S+ explore the signaling potential of small, cellular metabolites and the interactions associated with difficult-to-produce protein. Another key aspect of the Biacore 1S+, its six flow cells, will enhance the rigor and throughput of our experiments. The Biacore 1S+ will be overseen by the already existing Macromolecular Biophysics Resource, a successful core lab at UTSW with an excellent track record of incorporating and mastering new biophysical equipment. UTSW has pledged significant resources to the success of the instrument, and the scientific, innovation, and educational missions of the University will benefit from its presence at the institution. Our team of scientists will utilize the instrument with the aim of developing treatments for serious human health conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, liver disease, neurological disorders, malaria, and schistosomiasis. Therefore, the successful placement of a Biacore 1S+ at UTSW has substantial potential to positively impact human health. Finally, access to this instrument will unleash the ability of our investigators to sensitively, accurately, and rigorously study intermolecular interactions, a field that is at the heart of biomedical research.