Life Science professionals know that the thermodynamic driving
forces of macro-molecular interactions are critical parameters for
the design of effective biomedical and pharmaceutical treatments.
Calorimetry has become the method of choice for characterizing
the thermodynamic driving forces of critical molecular interactions
and defining molecular stabilities. Calorimetric analyses are
based on accurately measuring the rate of heat absorbed or evolved when
the biomolecule of interest interacts specifically
or nonspecifically with another macromolecule or ligand (binding
studies). The TA Instruments Nano ITC Standard Volume or Nano
ITC Low Volume instruments are powerful tools to accurately and
efficiently perform these important measurements.
The Nano ITC instruments are designed to improve laboratory
productivity and efficiency by performing high-sensitivity analyses
on nanomolar quantities of biomolecule. This is accomplished
through a combination of a high sensitivity calorimeter, accurate
and stable temperature control, and efficient titrant delivery.
ITC Technology
The unique removable syringe assembly contains a mechanical paddle
stirrer
at the end, the speed of which is easily adjusted to accommodate the
physical properties of the sample. The integrated titration assembly of
the
Nano ITC ensures quick-filling, simple cleaning and accurate
titrations. The Nano ITC Standard Volume is available with sample cells
made from
99.999 % Gold or Hastelloy C to allow for the widest range of reagent
chemistry. The Nano ITC Low Volume is available with sample cell cells
made
from 99.999 % Gold.
The true isothermal power compensation design and the choice of sample
cell volumes of the Nano ITC instruments provides the highest
sensitivity and
flexibility for an ultrasensitive ITC analyzing biological samples
in-solution.
The Nano ITC instrument is available in two sample cell sizes. The
Nano ITC Standard Volume sample cell volume is 1.0 ml. The Nano
ITC Low Volume offers the lowest cell volume at 190 uL, to minimize
sample consumption and at the same time provides sensitivity levels
over two times better than previously achievable. Heat effects as small
as 50 nanojoules are detectable in the Nano ITC Low Volume with a
short term noise level of 1.4 nanowatts. Both Nano ITC instruments
use cylindrical-shaped cells to make cleaning easy, solid state
thermoelectric heating and cooling systems to precisely control
temperature, and have the same flexible injection syringe assemblies
for efficient and accurate delivery of titrant.
Advantages of the ITC System
The Nano ITC Low Volume requires substantially less sample and can
reduce the time required to complete a titration by one-half. The 2X
improvement in sensitivity of the Nano ITC Low Volume ensures that
with 80% less sample the instrument will generate accurate and
reproducible results.