Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC) Analysis Service | Drug Discovery
Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) is a high-precision technique that directly measures the heat change during molecular interactions. A single experiment provides a complete thermodynamic profile, including binding affinity (Kd/Ka), enthalpy change (ΔH), entropy change (ΔS), Gibbs free energy (ΔG), and stoichiometry (n). ITC has become an essential tool for validating small molecule–target and antibody–antigen interactions in drug discovery. From hit validation and lead optimization to early-stage pharmacological profiling, ITC data help uncover binding driving forces, guide structure–activity relationship (SAR) refinement, and support selectivity assessment.
Ladbury, JE. Biotechniques. 2004.
MtoZ Biolabs offers high-quality Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC) Analysis Service through state-of-the-art calorimetry platforms and an experienced drug development team, supporting pharmaceutical and academic clients worldwide in accelerating drug discovery.
Services at MtoZ Biolabs
Under constant temperature conditions, ITC gradually titrates a ligand into a solution containing its binding partner, recording the small heat changes associated with each injection. By integrating the resulting thermogram, it provides a full thermodynamic profile. Unlike optical or fluorescence-based methods, ITC requires no molecular labeling, delivering results that closely reflect native binding behavior. Our Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC) Analysis Service Includes:
1. Binding Affinity Quantification: Measuring Kd across nanomolar to millimolar range to evaluate ligand-target interaction strength.
2. Thermodynamic Mechanism Dissection: Determining whether binding is enthalpy- or entropy-driven to inform rational drug design.
3. Stoichiometry & Multisite Analysis: Identifying binding ratios and cooperative binding behavior for complex systems or multivalent ligands.
4. Competitive or Displacement Assays: Evaluating competition between ligands for the same binding site to support selectivity profiling.
5. SAR Support: Screening a series of related structures to validate structure–activity relationships during lead optimization.
Analysis Workflow
1. Requirement Evaluation: Project manager discusses experiment goals, sample types, and concentration ranges with the client.
2. Sample QC: We perform pre-checks for protein purity, buffer compatibility, and compound solubility.
3. Titration Execution: Automated injections are performed under optimized concentration ratios using microcalorimetry.
4. Data Fitting: Thermodynamic parameters (Kd, ΔH, ΔS, ΔG, n) are derived using appropriate binding models.
5. Report Delivery: Final results include thermograms, parameter tables, and biological interpretation.
Service Advantages
1. Well-Equipped Technology Platform
MtoZ Biolabs is equipped with an advanced ITC platform featuring high sensitivity, automated precision injection systems, and stable temperature control units, enabling accurate detection of microcalorimetric signals. Our platform supports various titration modes—including standard, competitive, and reverse titrations—making it compatible with diverse molecular systems and complex binding models. Combined with standardized operating procedures and routine calibration, our Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC) Analysis Service ensures excellent data reproducibility and consistency, delivering high-quality thermodynamic results suitable for publication and decision-making.
3. Integrated Technology Options
MtoZ Biolabs can complement ITC with techniques such as Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR), DSF, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and X-ray Crystallography (XRC) For ultra-tight or weak interactions, we offer tailored alternative solutions to ensure reliable results.
4. Experienced Team Support
Our scientists are well-versed in working with enzymes, GPCRs, nucleic acid-binding proteins, and other targets. With extensive experience in buffer optimization and complex data fitting, we ensure reliable, reproducible data and efficient turnaround.
5. Transparent Pricing and Flexible Options
Our pricing model is transparent and milestone-driven. We offer one-off testing, series-based screening, or long-term packages tailored to different project needs, helping you maintain budget control.
Applications
✔Hit validation and affinity ranking
✔Mechanistic profiling during lead optimization
✔Biophysical characterization of PROTACs and molecular glue compounds
✔Antibody maturation and isotope substitution analysis
✔Thermodynamic comparison of enzyme inhibitors and selectivity evaluation
FAQs
Q: What are the sample concentration requirements for ITC?
A: Typical concentrations are 10–50 µM for proteins and 100–1000 µM for small molecules. Final values depend on binding strength and heat signal amplitude. We will assist in determining optimal concentrations based on estimated Kd.
Q: What is the typical turnaround time for Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC) Analysis Service?
A: Standard projects are completed in 1–3 weeks, including QC, measurement, and report delivery. Larger or more complex studies may require custom timelines.
Sample Submission Suggestions
1. Proteins/Antibodies: ≥95% purity; avoid high glycerol or detergents in buffers; recommended amount ≥2 mg, concentration ≥1 mg/mL.
2. Small Molecules/Peptides: ≥95% HPLC purity; dissolved in assay buffer or DMSO stock; please provide molecular weight and batch information.
3. Buffer Compatibility: Both components must be in the same buffer system with matched pH and ionic strength. Dialysis or buffer exchange available upon request.
4. Shipping: Use ice packs or dry ice; include QC documents such as SDS-PAGE or HPLC reports if available.
Deliverables
1. Raw thermograms and integrated curves (CSV + image files)
2. Complete thermodynamic parameter tables (Kd/Ka, ΔH, ΔS, ΔG, n)
3. Detailed assay conditions and methodology summary
4. Technical interpretation with key conclusions
5. Recommendations for follow-up experiments (optional)
MtoZ Biolabs combines cutting-edge calorimetry instrumentation, standardized workflows, and a highly experienced scientific team to deliver reliable and insightful thermodynamic data for your drug discovery projects.
If you are seeking a robust and accurate isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) analysis service, we welcome you to contact us today. Partner with MtoZ Biolabs to accelerate your discovery pipeline!
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