Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC), a highly sensitive solution-based method, is often described as the ‘gold standard’ for measuring the interaction between two molecules.
Wide range of technologies
As well as measuring affinity and stoichiometry, ITC is unique amongst other common biophysical techniques for also measuring the thermodynamics of an interaction – the enthalpy (ΔH), entropy (ΔS) and Gibbs free energy change (ΔG).
Particularly with later stage drug discovery projects in which computational and structural modelling is being used, these thermodynamic parameters can be used to understand and prioritize particular binding modes. High-level interaction data is needed to make high-level decisions about which compounds to progress.
At Charnwood Discovery we believe ITC is best used to complement and validate orthogonal biophysical techniques, such as SPR. The benefits of using ITC for your project include:
- Label-free and solution-based affinity measurements – be left in no doubt as to the nature of the interaction between your two target molecules
- High chances of success – whilst extremely sensitive and powerful, running ITC experiments is actually a very simple case of titrating one binding partner into the other, meaning it can be as equally easily applied to small, simple targets to large, complicated proteins
- Unique interaction insights – direct measurement of the enthalpy and entropy terms of your interaction can allow high level prioritisation and decision making on hit to lead projects
Contact us to find out more about how we can work with you to apply ITC for the benefit of your project.
