The interaction of infrared radiation with molecules can be analyzed using a technique called the infrared (IR) spectroscopy. Although, the most popular analysis technique is absorption spectroscopy, reflection and emission can also be used.
In IR spectroscopy, infrared light is passed through a sample, following which the absorption of light at each frequency is measured. Thus, an infrared spectrum with peaks denoting the absorbed radiation frequency is obtained.
IR spectroscopy uses samples that can be gases, liquids or solids. Unknown chemicals in these samples can be analyzed and identified by IR spectroscopy, making it advantageous for protein analysis in the pharmaceutical industry.
Infrared Spectroscopy for Protein Analysis
As IR spectroscopy is a simple technique and also provides a cost-effective approach to study protein at any buffer conditions in aqueous media, this technique proves to be beneficial for protein analysis.
Thus the technique is now a powerful tool for formulation optimization, stability studies and quality control of protein drug products in the pharmaceutical industry.
The formation of fibrils or aggregates can be monitored in real time using IR spectroscopy. In addition, using this technique, the structural effects of proteins can also be isolated while they adhere to drugs.
The CONFOCHECK FT-IR Spectrometer
To achieve the requirements of protein analysis in water, Bruker Optics exclusively developed the CONFOCHECK FT-IR. The instrument’s configuration allows high sample throughput and rapid data acquisition.
The availability of several specific protein sampling cuvettes with the CONFOCHECK enables the measurement of solvated and membrane-bound proteins. The sample cuvettes are temperature controlled by a thermostat so as to maintain perfect temperature constancy and enable the measurement of temperature induced protein conformational changes.
Protein quantification, quantification of different kinds of solutes in aqueous samples, and secondary structure determination are some of the other protein analysis applications of the CONFOCHECK.
In the pharmaceutical industry, the CONFOCHECK can be employed during pre-formulation and formulation development to find out how the protein stability is influenced by formulation. This instrument is also extensively employed to carry out stability studies to detect the influence of different external factors such as temperature and pH on protein stability.
In addition, the structure and concentration of a protein can be determined by using the CONFOCHECK as a standard QC instrument.
Bruker Optics offers a wide variety of IR spectroscopy solutions for protein analysis and various other applications suitable for the pharmaceutical industry.
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Bruker Optics.
For more information on this source, please visit Bruker Optics.