MST allows the measurement of molecular interactions directly in solution without the need of immobilization to a surface. It can monitor the binding of single ions (40 Da) or small molecules (300 Da) to a target as well as the binding of ribosomes (2.5 MDa).
Measurement is based on the direct movement of molecules in a temperature gradient. This effect is called thermophoresis and depends on a variety of molecular properties such as size, charge, hydration shell or confirmation. During a MST experiment, a temperature gradient is induced by an infrared laser. The directed movement of molecules through the temperature gradient is detected and quantified using either covalently attached or intrinsic fluorophores. Binding of biomolecules change the movement of the labeled molecule.
The Monolith NT.115 (NanoTemper Technologies https://nanotempertech.com ) is equipped with a green/red filter set.
Users have to buy their own consumables. We keep a stock of capillaries (Standard, Hydrophobic, Premium) which can be purchased directly by the Core Facility (billing per experiment).
