Proteins form the dominant constituent of any cell, performing numerous essential functions and comprising much of the cell’s biomass. Although biochemists have demonstrated a robust understanding of the myriad types of proteins at work in cells, characterizing individual protein characteristics has proven extremely challenging. This is first and foremost a problem of purity.
There are millions of proteins per cell and over 10,000 distinct types comprised of linear chains of just 21 different amino acids. While these arise in myriad three-dimensional (3D) structures, the underlying amino acids and residues display strong ultraviolet (UV) absorption at a wavelength of approximately 280 nanometers (nm) due primarily to the presence of the amino acids tryptophan and tyrosine. UV-spectroscopy is subsequently an essential tool in the quantitation of proteins.
The specific absorption characteristics of purified proteins in the ultraviolet and visible (UV-VIS) spectrum of light can also be used to determine concentration, mass, and structure. UV-VIS spectroscopy can subsequently illuminate various protein characteristics to help illustrate the mechanism of action (MOA) of new drug products, or simply characterize proteins extracted from novel sources.
Protein Analysis with Jordi Labs
Jordi Labs is one of the leading suppliers of laboratory solutions and protein analysis services in the U.S. performing a broad range of spectroscopic interrogations of various samples to assist in protein purification and protein analysis. If you would like to learn more, simply contact a member of the team.