Life Sciences

: Life Science

Life Science research continues to be of growing importance both in academia and industry. At the same time it has become an increasingly competitive area, particularly with respect to research and development as well as production control. Bruker AXS offers a variety of solutions supporting your efforts in this field:

Structural Biology

The biological functions of macromolecules are governed by their three-dimensional structures. Whether you are studying proteins, nucleic acids, membrane bound complexes or viruses, a detailed knowledge of the structure (structure gallery) is the key to a precise understanding of the function and mechanism of action of these bio-molecules. X-ray crystallography is the most productive method for obtaining accurate structural models of macromolecules. Small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) is fast becoming the tool of choice to studying the structure and interactions of biological macromolecules.

: Structural Biology

Protein Folding and Function

Information about the size, shape, and conformational changes of biological materials in solution can be easily obtained by Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) experiments - for instance with the NANOSTAR. Combining SAXS results with high resolution structures enables detailed characterization of the structures of large assemblies, and conformational changes associated with protein folding or function.

Clinical Testing

In clinical laboratories blood samples are routinely tested for essential elements as well as toxic elements. Monitoring of the application of chemotherapeutical drugs require an accurate method for long-term examination using small amounts of patients’ blood.

Biological Trace Element Analysis

Complementary information on the function of metals in bio-molecules (Metallomics) is easily revealed by the micro-analytical capabilities of Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence (TXRF) spectroscopy. Stoichiometric determination of the metal content of proteins can provie key insight into enzyme function and regulation.

: Pharmaceuticals

Pharmaceutical Research and Production Control

The entire pharmaceutical value chain, be it drug discovery, drug development or production takes benefit from X-ray fluorescence and diffraction methods. These methods are successfully used in discovery, screening, optimization, production, and authenticity tests of drugs.