Monolith

Characterize your most challenging interactions

Knowing the strength of the interactions between key players will give you the insights you need to understand the details behind how biological systems work.

 

If you’re having difficulty studying challenging interactions that include membrane proteins, PROTACs, intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs), or RNA-based therapeutics, you’ll need Monolith to characterize them.

 

Monolith measures the broadest range of binding affinities in-solution, using very little sample
 

Measure high and low affinities in the same instrument

> Different projects have different demands. It’s inevitable that you’ll need to look at both weak and strong molecular interactions. With a broad sensitivity range, Monolith measures K_ds varying from pM to mM, so you can tackle as many projects as you want.

 

Characterize binding events with very little sample

> It’s not easy to prepare the large volumes of highly concentrated target and ligand required by ITC. With Monolith, you get a K_d in a fraction of the volume and concentration, leaving you with more sample for additional experiments.

 

Measure in solution, in close-to-native conditions

> Immobilizing molecules in SPR assays often causes them to lose activity, and you’re left without results. Because Monolith measures in solution in most buffers, both binding partners are free to interact in their native conformation, you’ll finally get results.

 

 

Interactions

Characterize interactions with many different types of molecules or samples

You know what types of interactions you need to characterize now, but it’s always difficult to predict what you’ll need to look at in the future. Monolith gives you one less thing to worry about because it has the flexibility to handle all different types of molecules and samples.

 

Proteins

 

Membrane proteins, intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs), receptors, enzymes, antibodies, and nanobodies

 

Peptides

 

Linear and macrocyclic peptides

 

Small molecules

 

Fragments, PROTACs, ions, nanoparticles, and carbohydrates

 

Nucleic acids

 

DNA, RNA, and aptamers

 

Vesicles

 

Exosomes and liposomes

 

Platelets and whole cells

 

Virus particles and empty capsids

 

Evaluate more than a binary interaction

 

Competition Assays

Assess relative affinities of two or more molecules for the same target

 

Ternary binding events

Characterize interactions that involve three or more binding partners

 

Derive additional information from your affinity assays

 

Oligomerization and aggregation

Monitor these events to understand protein functionality

 

Stoichiometry*

Calculate molecular ratios of binding partners

 

Thermodynamics*

Derive ∆G, ∆H and ∆S from calculated K_ds

 

*Requires offline data handling, not supported by Monolith software

 

 

Technology

Use MST technology to measure interactions

Monolith uses MST technology to quantify molecular interactions between a target and ligand by detecting changes in fluorescence intensity while a temperature gradient is applied over time (grey box, top figure). The fluorescent signal comes from the target that is either fluorescently labeled or has intrinsic fluorescence and becomes an extremely sensitive reporter for the interaction. The binding affinity is automatically determined at the end of each run without additional and lengthy data analysis. The affinity constant (Kd) is calculated from a fitted curve that plots normalized fluorescence against concentration of ligand (bottom figure).

 

Systems

Monolith has no fluidics — that means there’s really no regular maintenance

 

Life is so much easier when fluidics aren’t involved. Monolith doesn’t require cleaning or flushing in between runs, or a maintenance contract. So, it’s ready whenever you’re ready.
 

The best choice for studying interactions spanning a broad range of sensitivity. Turn on the pico mode to measure very strong interactions, or off for weak ones.*		Choose this if you want the most flexibility when it comes to labeling strategies. Pick the two fluorescent channels you need the most.*		When you just want to measure interactions by detecting the intrinsic fluorescence of your target protein, choose this.
Monolith Pico		Monolith		Monolith LabelFree

 

 

Feel confident your experiments will run smoothly with software that’s smart
 

   MO.Control 2

Most software starts once you load your samples and start your run. Monolith’s MO.Control is built differently — not only do you get help with guided step-by-step experimental planning and assay setup before you start your run, but you also get immediate feedback on assay optimization based on your results after the run is over. MO.Control 2 adds the ability to optimize buffer conditions more efficiently so you can get to generating results faster.

 

   MO.Affinity Analysis 3

Make sure your analysis is consistent across various data sets and that you’re identifying any insights across replicate measurements. MO.Affinity Analysis 3 is the ideal complement to MO.Control 2 — merge and group your data sets for comparison purposes and then easily report results with presentation-worthy data and publication-ready figures.

 

 

Consumables

Get great results with tailor-made consumables

 

Monolith capillaries are made with care — they’re manufactured in a state-of-the-art facility and rigorously tested. Pair the capillaries with one of the Monolith Protein Labeling Kits to get the highest quality data and ultimately, the best outcome with Monolith.

 

 

Assay Tools

Spend less time optimizing your assay and more time getting actionable results

 

Spending time and money just optimizing assays and not generating usable data is super-frustrating, especially when you have limited resources. Monolith has ways to help you start with the target labeling step, and with optimizing your assays conditions so you can get to actionable results sooner.

 

Your success starts with choosing the right labeling strategy

The online and interactive Protein Labeling Assistant gives you the best labeling recommendations for your target protein and your instrument optics.

 

Feel confident you have the right buffer conditions

MO.Control 2 software makes it super easy to check the effects of buffers on your interactions. Take advantage of the ability to run 24 capillaries to screen up to 6 different buffer conditions in duplicates and with no-ligand controls in the same run. Read the technical note for an example of how easy it is to find the right buffer conditions.

 

Find the optimal buffer conditions in less time

Use the Buffer Exploration Kit, a 96-well plate loaded with ready-to-use buffers commonly used in MST assays so you don’t have to pre-mix them yourself. It makes buffer screening less time-consuming.

 

Get instant quality checks
 

Key quality parameters such as aggregation, photobleaching, and low signal-to-noise are constantly monitored for you. If additional optimization is necessary, you’ll get recommendations on how to correct these issues.