Ask an expert – ITC for organic solvents: Tips for success with this trending application in chemistry and life sciences
Webinar on January 20, 2022
Isothermal titration microcalorimetry (ITC) is widely used in the life sciences and is an essential tool in drug discovery and the study and regulation of biomolecular interactions. ITC is based on the measurement of heat evolved or absorbed when complexes form between molecules.
In a single ITC experiment, you can measure the binding affinity (KD), reaction stoichiometry (n), enthalpy (ΔH), and entropy (ΔS). These thermodynamic data reveal the forces that drive complex formation to describe function and mechanism at a molecular level.
Most biomolecular interactions occur in aqueous solutions such as PBS, HEPES, and other buffers used to solubilize proteins and other biopolymers. There is increasing interest in ITC applications that require dissolving the binding partners in an organic solvent. These include studying guest-host chemical reactions, interactions involving nanoparticles, and characterizing normally insoluble materials. For successful results, the ITC experimental protocol with organic solvents requires minor modification of the normal methods with aqueous buffers. I wrote a blog on this topic, too.
During our “Ask an Expert” webinar on January 20th, our panelists discuss the best practices for using organic solvents with MicroCal ITC systems, including the PEAQ-ITC, iTC200, and VP-ITC. These suggestions can improve the data quality and avoid damaging the ITC instrument.
I will be one of the presenters, along with my colleague Raúl Pacheco-Gómez. Our other speakers are Ph.D. students who successfully incorporated organic solvents in their ITC experiments.
Questions can be asked at the webinar, but for a better chance of having your question answered in-depth during the webinar, submit your questions (and data) by email before 10th January to askanexpert@malvernpanalytical.com.
Please join us on January 20th for an informative webinar!
This webinar is part of our ‘Ask an expert’ webinar series. These live webinars are meant for students and research scientists who want to sharpen their analytical methods, deepen their knowledge, or find out how to improve their data. We’ll provide extensive materials analysis information and answer your most frequently asked questions. In other words, it’s the ultimate way to improve your knowledge.