17ALERT bid: A new multi-wavelength analytical ultracentrifuge for the study of biomolecular interactions

超离心分析仪（AUC）是一种能够在重力作用下观察大分子沉积物的机器，转子以1000至60 000 rpm的速度旋转。由于仪器上安装了光学数据采集系统，我们能够观察到它们的沉降特性。到目前为止，这些已被限制到单波长捕获和一个结盟的瑞利干涉光学系统。Beckman Coulter发布的新AUC现在能够真正的多波长捕获，因此可以通过跟踪每个组分来分析更复杂的生物分子系统，因为它具有独特的光学特征。如果没有独特的光学特征，可以用有色探针标记化合物，或者使用天然氨基酸的类似物将其掺入蛋白质中。因此，该仪器能够测量非常广泛的生物分子相互作用，并严格表征它们。此外，仪器将由一名永久技术人员维护，数据分析将由AUC专家PI提供，新的软件方法将通过研讨会提供。后者由Fullbright基金的赠款提供，这将使为期一周的研讨会得以举行。鉴于可以提供有关生物分子的大小，形状和化学计量信息的系统范围广泛，该应用范围广泛，涵盖了BBSRC的优先事项和策略。

An analytical ultracentrifuge (AUC) is a machine capable of observing macromolecules sediment under gravity when a rotor is spun at a speeds from 1000 to 60 000 rpm. We are able to observe their sedimentation properties due to optical data capture systems mounted on the instrument. To date, these have be limited to single wavelength capture and an allied Rayleigh Interference optical system. A new AUC released by Beckman Coulter is now capable of true multi-wavelength capture so that more complex biomolecular systems can be analysed by following each component due to its unique optical signature. Where there is no unique optical signature, it is possible to label a compound either with a coloured probe, or incorporate into a protein using analogues of natural amino acids. As such, the instrument is capable of measuring a very wide range of biomolecular interactions and characterising them rigorously. In addition, the instrument will be maintained by a permanent technician, data analysis will be provided by the PI who is an expert in AUC, and new software methods will be provided through workshops. The latter is provided by a grant from the Fullbright Fund, which will allow a week long workshop to be undertaken. Given the wide range of systems that can be worked on to give information about size, shape and stoichiometry of biomolecules, this application ranges widely across BBSRC priorities and strategies.