Protein Biophysics and Structural Biology Core

The Protein Biophysics and Structural Biology Core (PBSBC), located within the Department of Physiology and Biophysics (DPB), is a state-of-the-art shared facility providing researchers with a comprehensive range of protein biophysical and structural biology capabilities. Our core expertise is centered on understanding biomolecular interactions with proteins, DNA, RNA, small molecules, and Ag/Ab , binding affinity and kinetics, thermodynamic properties, protein stability, folding, oligomerization, and structural changes.

The PBSBC provides access to a diverse suite of complementary technologies, including:

1. Biacore T200 (Cytiva) for real-time analysis of binding kinetics and affinity by surface plasmon resonance (SPR, Cytiva)
2. SEC-MALS (Waters) for determining molecular weight, oligomeric state, and solution behavior
3. ITC-200 (Malvern) for quantitative measurement of binding thermodynamics, affinity and stoichiometry
4. MicroScale Thermophoresis (MST, NanoTemper) for sensitive analysis of molecular interactions in solution
5. Circular dichroism (CD, JASCO) for evaluating protein secondary structure, folding, and thermal stability

Together, these approaches enable researchers to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of protein behavior and molecular mechanisms.

Beyond instrumentation, the PBSBC supports researchers throughout the experimental process. We offer sample drop-off services, hands-on instrument training, experimental consultation, and technical support, helping users select appropriate biophysical approaches, design experiments, troubleshoot assays, and interpret results. The core also provides protein purification support using the ÄKTA pure 25 system, enabling researchers to obtain and characterize purified proteins for downstream biophysical studies.

As an open, shared-use facility, the PBSBC serves researchers at different levels of experience—from investigators who need a complete experimental service to those who want hands-on access to instrumentation. Our goal is to provide not only advanced technology, but also the expertise and experimental support needed to answer important questions about protein structure, stability, and molecular interactions.