Non-destructive protein analysis

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Thermo Electron has launched an instrumentation package for the analysis of proteins, the Proteus protein analyser system. The system is based on Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) technology and uses a Nicolet series FT-IR spectrometer to non-destructively scan protein samples for structural defect and impurity analysis as well as process quality monitoring.

The instrument is principally designed for QA/QC and basic research in pharmaceutical research organisations. The Proteus protein analyser is available as a complete system or as a kit for existing Nicolet 4700, 5700, 6700 or 8700 FT-IR spectrometers.

Thermo's Proteus protein analyser achieves quality infrared protein measurements within minutes. It combines quality instrumentation with proven methodology to provide a single source for critical data including identifying and classifying types of proteins, analysis of changes in protein over varying treatment conditions, protein monitoring during synthesis, measurements of impurities present in protein solutions, and determination of protein secondary structure.

Proteus provides pharmaceutical research organisations with the ability to develop quantitative methods to determine total protein concentration and the effects of water binding and hydrogen bonding on protein structures.

The system further discriminates good product from bad and determines factors influencing conformational changes in proteins, including improper or changing storage conditions, effects of heat on denaturation and protein secondary structure or quality, proteolytic changes in proteins, and oxidative and photo-induced protein changes.

The Proteus protein analyser system offers a number of advantages, such as minimised sample preparation and handling due to the instrument design features. In addition, Proteus is designed for low maintenance operation, resulting in low cost of ownership.