Technology

Microfluidic Modulation Spectroscopy (MMS) is a novel spectroscopic tool which directly addresses the limitations of current technologies by facilitating direct, label-free analysis of secondary structure over a wide concentration range (0.1 to 200 mg/mL) in complex formulations without the need for buffer exchange or dilution. MMS employs a tunable mid-infrared quantum cascade laser that is 1,000 times brighter than conventional FTIR. In addition, MMS enables the measurement of currently undetectable changes in biomolecule structure. Now with the power of the AQS³pro MMS system, the sample (biomolecule-in-buffer) solution and a matching buffer reference stream are introduced into the transmission cell under continuous flow and then rapidly modulated (1–5 Hz) across the laser beam path. This produces nearly drift free, background compensated, differential absorbance scans of the Amide I band (1700-1600 cm-1) and allows changes in HOS to be easily measured and compared.

Microfluidic Modulation Spectroscopy is a novel tool that can strengthen a bioanalytical tool kit by providing critical insight through all phases of drug development. This technique enhances current toolkits with the ability to monitor 5 key biomolecule characteristics including aggregation, quantitation, structure, stability, and similarity. MMS provides the following benefits: