Products

VP-Capillary DSC System

The VP-Capillary DSC System is the most advanced differential scanning calorimeter for screening multiple samples for thermal transition midpoints (Tm).  A fully integrated autosampler enables the analysis of up to 50 samples per day with unattended operation. With its advanced capability, the system has revolutionized the study of liquid biopharmaceutical formulations by reducing the time and cost of stability testing.

With higher throughtput and unattended sample handlng capabilities, the VP-Capillary DSC is a powerful tool in drug discovery programs, service laboratories and laboratories screening large numbers of samples.  Whether used to screen multiple excipients for formulations or the binding activity of drug compounds against a target, the system can deliver reliable results quickly with minimal operator time.

The VP-Capillary DSC is controlled by an intelligent user interface (VPViewer™ software) and data analysis is performed with Origin®, a market-leading data analysis package.

Applications include:

  • Protein stability and folding.
  • Liquid biopharmaceutical formulations.
  • Process development.
  • Protein engineering.
  • Rank order binding.
  • Antibody domain studies.
  • Characterization of membranes, lipids, nucleic acids and micellar systems.
  • Assessment of the effects of structural change on a molecule’s stability.
  • Measurement of ultra-tight molecular interactions (up to 1020 M-1).
  • Assessment of biocomparability during manufacturing.

Why VP-Capillary DSC?

  • High throughput: Up to 50 samples per day.
  • Unattended operation:  All filling, data collection and cell cleaning functions are fully automated.
  • Save time and money in stability testing.
  • Study molecules in their native state without labeling.  Can be use with solutions that interfere with optical methods including turbid or colored solutions or particulate suspensions.
  • Provides insights into mechanisms of unfolding and refolding.
  • Determine ultra-tight binding constants that cannot be measured by other techniques (up to 1020 M-1).
  • Complete system: No additional accessories to purchase and no reagents or consumables are required.
VP-Capillary DSC System

VP-Capillary DSC Features:

  • Active cell volume ~ 130 µl.
  • Non-reactive Tantalum 61™ cells for excellent chemical resistance.
  • Fixed-in-place cells for reproducible ultrasensitive performance with low maintenance.
  • Operating temperature range of –10ºC to +130ºC
  • Peltier element for precise temperature control.
  • User selectable temperature scan rates (up to 250ºC per hour upscans) and range for application versatility.
  • Three user selectable response times (U.S. Patent #5,967,659) for maximum performance.
  • Fully integrated autosampler for 24-hour unattended operation.
  • Standard 96-well plate format for high capacity and loading ease.  Up to six well plates can be stored in thermostatically controlled drawers.
  • Includes ThermoVac® sample preparation and cleaning device.

For applications where higher throughput and unattended sample handling are not required, the VP-Capillary DSC is also available without the autosampler to provide the benefits of a capillary instrument without the expense of an autosampler.  This system can easily be upgraded to a fully automated VP-Capillary DSC system when needed.  Please contact your local MicroCal representative for details and specifications.

FIGURE 1. Schematic diagram of the thermal core of VP-Capillary DSC Platform, showing helical sample and reference cells each with inlet/outlet tubes, adiabatic jacket, Peltier device for heating/cooling the jacket, ΔT-1 sensor between sample and reference cells, and ΔT-2 sensor between cells and jacket.

Need more information? Contact us.

VP-Capillary DSC System