Circular Dichroism Based Small Molecule Analysis Service
- Chiral small molecule reference standards
- Natural product extracts
- Drug candidate compounds
- Small molecule-nucleic acid/protein complexes
- Small molecule compound libraries
Small molecules are widely represented in drug candidates, natural products, biological probes, and functional materials. Characterized by low molecular weight, structural diversity, and flexible conformations, many of these compounds contain chiral centers. Even subtle differences in three-dimensional stereochemistry can significantly impact their bioactivity, toxicity, and metabolic behavior. Additionally, specific interactions between small molecules and biomacromolecules such as DNA, RNA, and proteins form the basis for their biological functions. Therefore, accurate characterization of small molecule stereochemistry and conformational dynamics is essential for rational drug design, mechanistic studies, and quality control.
Circular Dichroism (CD) spectroscopy is a highly sensitive analytical technique for evaluating chiral structures. It enables the determination of absolute configuration, conformational stability, and induced CD (ICD) signals that arise when small molecules bind to biomacromolecules. Unlike conventional structural elucidation techniques, CD spectroscopy does not require crystallization, requires only small amounts of sample, and can be performed in solution under native-like conditions. These advantages make it particularly suited for assessing the structural behavior of small molecules under varying environmental or binding conditions.
Padula, D. et al. Molecules. 2018.
Figure1. Circular Dichroism Spectra of Small Molecule Compounds with Different Conformations
Service at MtoZ Biolabs
MtoZ Biolabs specializes in the study of chiral small molecules and their interactions with biomacromolecules such as proteins and DNA, drawing on extensive expertise in spectroscopy and structural biology. The circular dichroism based small molecule analysis service at MtoZ Biolabs integrates a high-performance CD spectroscopy platform with a team of experienced structural biology analysts to deliver multidimensional characterization of molecular conformation, optical activity, and binding mechanisms. By providing reliable, quantitative structural insights, this service supports a broad range of research fields including pharmaceutical development, biotechnology, natural product research, and structural verification.
MtoZ Biolabs provides CD spectroscopy services for small molecules covering the following key research areas:
1. Small Molecule Configuration Identification and Chirality Analysis
Determine the absolute configuration of chiral small molecules and evaluate their conformational stability and responsiveness to environmental factors such as solvent polarity, pH, or temperature.
2. Small Molecule-Protein/Nucleic Acid Interaction Studies
Quantitatively assess binding affinity between small molecules and DNA, RNA, or proteins through induced circular dichroism (ICD) signals, supporting drug screening, mechanism-of-action studies, and lead compound optimization.
3. Sequence-Specific Binding Analysis
Identify sequence preferences in small molecule binding to nucleic acids, helping elucidate molecular recognition patterns and potential interaction sites.
4. Conformational Dynamics and Thermal Stability Assessment
Monitor structural changes of small molecules under varying pH, temperature, or ionic conditions, providing critical data for process development, formulation stability, and quality control.
Why Choose MtoZ Biolabs?
✅Experienced Scientific Team: Our team consists of researchers with strong backgrounds in small molecule conformational analysis and circular dichroism spectroscopy. We apply proven methodologies to ensure accurate, reproducible results with clear biological and chemical relevance.
✅High-Sensitivity CD Platform: We operate advanced circular dichroism spectrometers capable of detecting subtle chiral and conformational signals, even in low-concentration samples. This platform ensures high signal-to-noise ratios and stable measurements under a wide range of experimental conditions.
✅Flexible, Application-Oriented Service Design: We tailor each project based on the nature of the sample and study objectives. Our services support a variety of use cases, including stereochemical confirmation, binding evaluation with proteins or nucleic acids, and stability testing under different environmental conditions.
✅Standardized Data Deliverables: All projects include comprehensive documentation, featuring raw spectral data, processed results, and annotated graphical outputs. Our reporting format is suitable for scientific publication, regulatory submission, and internal quality assessments.
✅Wide Sample Compatibility: Our platform supports the analysis of diverse small molecules and their complexes with biomolecules such as DNA, RNA, and proteins. This makes the service well-suited for applications in drug discovery, natural product research, and molecular interaction studies.
Analysis Workflow
Application
Stereochemical and Conformational Characterization of Small Molecules
Structural Characterization of Natural Products
Small Molecule-DNA/RNA Interaction Studies
Protein-Small Molecule Binding Mechanism Analysis
Sample Submission Suggestions
Sample Types:
Concentration: 0.1–1.0 mg/mL (depending on the compound's UV absorption properties)
Volume: Minimum 300 μL per sample
Solvent: Deionized water, PBS, ethanol, methanol, or compatible buffer systems (avoid solvents with strong UV absorbance that may interfere with CD measurements)
Deliverables
Raw CD spectral data files (.cd, .txt, or .csv formats)
Processed and annotated spectra (.pdf or .png formats)
Induced CD (ICD) analysis results, if applicable to small molecule–macromolecule interactions
A standardized technical report including experimental conditions, spectral interpretation, and structural analysis
How to order?
