Measuring biomolecular interactions using the Biacore T100

Key to understanding biological systems is the ability to work out how different components (e.g. proteins, DNA, small molecules) interact with each other. Huge advances in measuring such interactions have occurred in recent years with the development of a technique called surface-plasmon resonance (SPR). For the past 6 years we have successfully employed a Biacore X instrument, which is a basic SPR apparatus, to make measurements in a variety of systems. However, we have become acutely aware of the limitations of the X. Last year Biacore launched its latest development in SPR technology, the Biacore T100, which contains impressive technological advances over the X, enabling measurements of greatly increased sensitivity and sophistication. We describe research programmes in plant and microbial sciences that will benefit enormously from the acquisition of a Biacore T100 instrument.

The research programmes at the John Innes Centre demand extensive understanding, and hence measurement, of biomolecular interactions. Since 2000 we have been making such measurements using a Biacore X (funded by BBSRC), which is an entry-level surface-plasmon resonance instrument. Although highly successful in terms of research output, the X suffers from a number of limitations in terms of its sensitivity, software capabilities, lack of robotics, level of throughput and lack of temperature control. The Biacore T100 fulfils these requirements and will facilitate a range of research programmes at JIC. We describe four major programmes that will benefit greatly from the T100 and outline several others where application of the T100 will be of great value.