MicroCal PEAQ-ITC Automated

Fully automated, hands free ITC for increased productivity

The MicroCal PEAQ-ITC Automated is a configurable, low volume, highly sensitive isothermal titration calorimeter which offers the convenience of unattended operation. It delivers direct, label-free in solution measurement of all binding parameters in a single experiment. Applications include characterizing molecular interactions of small molecules, proteins, antibodies, nucleic acids, lipids and other biomolecules. It can also be used to measure enzyme kinetics.

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Features and benefits

The MicroCal PEAQ-ITC Automated combines the high sensitivity of the MicroCal PEAQ-ITC - the calorimeter core of the system - with walkaway automation, to meet the productivity needs of busy research and drug discovery laboratories. The system directly measures heat released or absorbed during biochemical binding events, from which it calculates binding affinity (KD), stoichiometry (n), enthalpy (ΔH), and entropy (ΔS). Other than preparing samples and reagents to appropriate concentrations, there is minimal assay development and time to first result is fast. Easy-to use software includes optimized automation scripts for robust operation with a variety of sample types and conditions.

  • User-friendly design tools assist in selecting experimental run parameters.
  • All binding parameters (affinity, stoichiometry, enthalpy and entropy) in a single experiment.
  • Quick to first result with minimal assay development, no labelling, no immobilization and no molecular weight limitations.
  • High signal to noise gives more confidence in accessing data quality and relevance of generated affinity and thermodynamic parameters.
  • Outstanding data quality for sub-millimolar to picomolar disassociation constants (10-2 to 10-12 M).
  • Coin shaped cell optimizes sample mixing.
  • Nonreactive Hastelloy for chemical resistance and compatibility with biological samples.
  • Sensitivity to investigate any biomolecular interaction using as little as 10µg of protein.
  • Samples presented in temperature controlled 96-well plate.
  • Fully automated system with walk-away operation for enhanced productivity.

MicroCal PEAQ-ITC Analysis software offers experiment design simulation, batch evaluation of large data sets, automated assessment of data quality and a streamlined user interface that guides the user to final figures and presentation quality graphs quickly and easily.

  • Open multiple experiments in a single session.
  • Supports many automated fitting models.
    • Dissociation.
    • Enzyme Kinetics - Multiple Injections.
    • Enzyme Kinetics - Single Injection.
    • One Set of Sites.
    • Sequential Binding Sites.
    • One Set of Sites - SIM.
    • Two Sets of Sites.
    • Competitive.
  • Automated assessment of data quality.
    • Good quality data - Binding.
    • Good quality data - No binding.
    • Poor quality data - Check data.

How it works

Isothermal titration microcalorimeters measure the heat change that occurs when two molecules interact. Heat is released or absorbed as a result of the redistribution and formation of non-covalent bonds when the interacting molecules go from the free to the bound state. ITC monitors these heat changes by measuring the differential power, applied to the cell heaters, required to maintain zero temperature difference between the reference and sample cells as the binding partners are mixed. The reference cell usually contains water, while the sample cell contains one of the binding partners (the sample, often but not necessarily a macromolecule) and a stirring syringe which holds the other binding partner (the ligand). The ligand is injected into the sample cell, typically in 0.5 to 2 μL aliquots, until the ligand concentration is two- to three-fold greater than the sample. Each injection of ligand results in a heat pulse that is integrated with respect to time and normalized for concentration to generate a titration curve of kcal/mol vs molar ratio (ligand/sample). The resulting isotherm is fitted to a binding model to generate the affinity (K D ), stoichiometry (n) and enthalpy of interaction (ΔH).

MicroCal PEAQ ITC Microcalorimeters for microcalorimetry and label free analysis using isothermal titration calorimetry

MicroCal PEAQ ITC Microcalorimeters for microcalorimetry and label free analysis using isothermal titration calorimetry

Specification

Measurement type Affinity (KD)
Measurement type Enthalpy ∆H
Measurement type Entropy ∆S
Measurement type Stoichiometry (n)
Sample capacity 384 (four 96 well plates)
Sample tray temperature range 4°C ± 2°C at ambient
Sample volume 370 µL
Cell volume 200 µL
Injection syringe volume 40 µL
Injection volume precision < 1% @ 2 µL
Throughput Up to 42 per 24 h (SIM)
Cell material Hastelloy
Cell Coin-shaped
Noise 0.15 ncal/s
Temperature range 2°C to 80°C
Temperature stability ±0.00012°C
Response time 8 s*
Multiple feedback modes Yes (passive, high gain, low gain)
Notes *The MicroCal PEAQ-ITC Instrument Response Time is a true time constant.  It is the time interval between the first deviation away from the baseline, and the point on the peak that is 63% of the maximum peak height.

Operating Environment

Temperature (operating) 10°C to 28°C
Humidity 0% to 70% RH, non condensing

Electrical ratings

Power Supply 100 - 240 V, 50/60 Hz, 400 W
Weight 91 kg
Dimensions (W, D, H) 63 x 58 x 77 cm

Support

Protect your investment and ensure optimized performance at all times with Malvern Panalytical's service plans.

When you purchase a Malvern Panalytical product we understand that this is just the first stage of a working relationship that will last for the lifetime of the instrument. Depending on your needs, Malvern Panalytical will provide the support for your business.

Help Desk

Training

  • User training events

Software downloads

Malvern Panalytical's service options- choose the right plan for you:

Malvern Panalytical Platinum Plan

For laboratories where maximizing instrument up-time is critical to its daily performance. Our highest level of response and the 'all inclusive' price plan takes care of those unexpected repair bills should the unfortunate occur.

Malvern Panalytical Gold Plan

Enhance your laboratory productivity by maintaining instrument efficiency. Still receive that priority response, combined with specialist technical and software support, we'll keep your instrument performance on track to deliver.

Malvern Panalytical Bronze Visit

For laboratories looking to optimize instrument performance, regular preventative maintenance is essential.

Platinum PlanGold PlanBronze Visit
Annual PM/PV Test
yes
yes
no
Telephone / Email Support
yes
yes
no
Priority Response
yes
yes
no
Emergency Breakdown visits*
yes
yes
no
Parts Included
yes
no
no
Technical & Software Support
yes
yes
yes
IQ/OQ (Pharma)***
yes
yes
yes

*including labour & travel costs ***available at an additional cost

Key applications

MicroCal PEAQ-ITC instruments provide value to a wide range of applications, some of which are outlined below.

Drug Discovery (Hit Validation, Lead optimization & SAR)

Central to hit validation and lead optimization programs is obtaining accurate affinity measurements and stoichiometries. Because ITC does not require labeling or immobilization, has no upper or lower mass limitations or buffer requirements, it is universally applicable for determining very accurate affinities for any protein:drug interactions, including small molecule and biologics.

Webinar: Sprint Bioscience on label-free fragment screening

Whitepaper: Addressing the needs of drug discovery with the MicroCal PEAQ-ITC instruments 

Structural Biology

ITC is a key element in the structural biologist’s toolbox. Not only for quantitative structure activity measurements but also the optimization of co-crystallization conditions.

Application Note: Microcalorimetry as a tool for structural biology

Webinar: Co-crystal structure optimization using Isothermal Titration Calorimetry

Very good instrument, fast and easy to use.

Clarissa Melo Czekster — University of St Andrews
The "Gold Standard" for measuring binding affinity and stoichiometry

The "Gold Standard" for measuring binding affinity and stoichiometry

Direct, label free and in-solution measurements of binding affinity and thermodynamic parameters in a single experiment to meet the varied and demanding requirements of today’s life science laboratories.

Request a quote Request a demo Contact sales