Biophysics Resource
Introduction
The Biophysics Resource (BR) was established in January 2001. Our mission is to
provide CCR investigators with access to both the latest instrumentation and expertise
in characterizing the biophysical aspects of systems under structural investigation.
The BR operates as an open, shared-use facility; in general, BR users learn to operate
the instruments and conduct their own experiments. Biophysics Resource staff members
train all first-time users and are also available to consult with investigators
on experimental design/analysis or collaborate with them on more complex studies.
Some of the equipment is too delicate to permit casual use and some studies may
require special expertise in experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation.
In these cases, users typically collaborate with BR staff on their research projects.
The BR offers cutting-edge biophysics technology in the following areas:
- Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy to study the optical activity and conformation
of biomacromolecules
- Steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy to study the structure and environment of
biomacromolecules and the mechanism(s) of these interactions
- Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) for thermodynamic characterization of biomacromolecular
interactions
- Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) for determining thermal stability and transitions
in biomacromolecular systems
- Liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry detection (LC-MS and LC-MS-MS) for
macromolecular mass characterization
- Static and dynamic light scattering to determine macromolecular mass, size, and
degree of aggregation
- Microscale thermophoresis (MST) for macromolecular binding studies
User Policy
All users must abide by the Biophysics Resource Policy Statement.
Scheduling and Technologies
All of the BR facility’s instruments are scheduled online. To view our instrument
schedules or reserve time on a specific piece of equipment, go to:
http://bric.sbl.ncifcrf.gov/BRIC/instrument_login_page.html
For more information on the various technologies and instrumentation available within
the BR facility, visit Our Technologies.
References
For references, see Publications and Patents.