An introduction to the Optima Analytical Ultracentrifuge
AUC is a versatile method to characterize the hydrodynamic behavior of biological (and other) samples in solution. It is based on the principles of sedimentation – the passage of samples down a tube in a centrifugal field. The Optima AUC instrument can detect samples based on UV-vis absorbance as well as refractive index.
Why use AUC?
AUC addresses the following problems
In Pharma Discovery & Academic Research:
- Complex assembly stoichiometry
- Binding affinity & equilibrium constants
- Shape changes & allosteric events
In Pharma Quality Control:
- Gene therapy drug purity (viral packing efficiency)
- Biologics sample purity (aggregation/degradation)
Unique advantages of AUC analysis
- Fully native state analysis: No substrate / matrix interactions
- No calibration standards required: Results obtained from first principles
- Extremely large dynamic range: Characterize anything from a peptide to an intact virus
Typical application areas for AUC
In Discovery:
- Protein/nucleic-acid/small-molecule interactions
- Nanoparticles, vesicles, polymers, viruses & more.
In Pharma Quality Control:
- Gene therapy products (AAV viral capsids)
- Biologics, biosimilars, antibodies & therapeutic peptides.
Summary
AUC characterizes biological samples in-solution, answers both QC and discovery questions without needing external calibration standards and eliminates problematic non-native interactions.
Click here to learn more about getting started with AUC.
