This provides information, for example, on cell viability, the formation of defined surface molecules, gene expression, cell metabolism or protein secretion. In addition, we can determine the changes in some parameters over a defined time course.
Determination of binding affinities by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy.
The instrument available at the Fraunhofer/ISC Translation Center (Reichert Technologies, 4SPR) allows the determination of the kinetic and thermodynamic binding constants between different interaction partners. For this purpose, no modifications have to be made to the substances under investigation (label free). Due to the modular design of the instrument, SPR measurements can also be combined with other methods (e.g. electrochemistry or fluorescence microscopy).
Flow cytometry enables the analysis of physical, cellular and molecular properties of particles (cells, nanoparticles, etc.). For example, different cell types can be phenotyped and analyzed simultaneously based on their size and morphology in heterogeneous cell mixtures. In addition to the quantitative determination of surface molecules, intracellular protein profiles can also be determined. In addition, flow cytometry allows the analysis of DNA and cell cycle properties as well as epigenetic characteristics.
We analyze the expression of your desired target genes by quantitative RT-PCR. This allows us to analyze possible influences of defined substances on the gene expression profile of cell cultures or tissue models.
For optimization and quality control of your bioprocess, we quantify a broad spectrum of metabolites in the cell culture or fermentation medium, including glucose, alanine-glutamine, glutamine and lactate. By means of LDH assay, additional statements on the level of cell stress are possible. Only a very small volume of medium (50 µl) is required for automated measurement.
This technology can be used to monitor changes in tissue metabolism, which can be used to make statements about the tissue status, for example in tumors or during wound healing.
We quantify the presence of your desired target proteins (e.g. intracellular or secreted cytokines) by ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), Western blot or flow cytometry. This allows the analysis of possible influences of defined substances on cell cultures or tissue models.
To assess the viability of a cell and its metabolism, its ATP content, glucose consumption rate and pyruvate production are determined using highly sensitive assays. Furthermore, the non-invasive impedance-based xCELLigence method is used, which allows the simultaneous assessment of a broad portfolio of cellular properties, such as the control of cell proliferation, morphology, viability, adhesion and migration.
Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC