Octet or Biacore, Label Free Technologies | What’s the Right Platform for Your Antibody Study!

What is Octet and Biacore?

Researchers extensively use analysis platforms such as Octet and Biacore to investigate biomolecular interactions in real time without labeling. Understanding how molecules bind, how tightly they stick to each other, and how selectively they interact is very important in fields like drug development and biochemistry. These systems are key to this understanding.

Overview of Biacore (Surface Plasmon Resonance)

The Biacore system uses Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) technology to hold biomolecules on a sensor chip. When potential partners come into contact with the surface the system notices changes in the refractive index close to the sensor. This shows that binding events are happening. This method accurately measures how quickly molecules connect and disconnect, providing clear information about their interactions.

Overview of Octet (Bio-Layer Interferometry)

The Octet platform uses Bio-Layer Interferometry (BLI) to hold a ligand on a sensor tip. When this tip is dipped into a solution containing an analyte binding events change the optical thickness at the tip, changing the reflected light interference pattern. Researchers monitor this shift in real-time, allowing them to analyze binding kinetics and affinities without needing labels.

Each platform offers unique advantages. Biacore’s SPR delivers exceptional sensitivity and has remained essential in pharmaceutical research for decades. Octet’s BLI with its dip-and-read format, provides higher throughput, making it ideal for efficiently screening large numbers of interactions.

You can choose between these systems based on their sensitivity, sample size, and type of interaction experiment. The full article explores the advantages and considerations of each platform for antibody research.

Octet vs. Biacore—Key Differences

Octet and Biacore are two prominent biosensor platforms that analyze biomolecular interactions in real-time without requiring labeling. Each system presents unique advantages and limitations making it suitable for various research applications.

1. Detection Technology
2. Throughput and Flexibility
3. Sample Compatibility
4. Sensitivity
5. Data Quality and Consistency
6. Cost and Accessibility

1. Detection Technology:

• Biacore: Biacore uses a method called Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) to measure changes in the refractive index near a sensor’s surface when biomolecules interact. Because of its high sensitivity, this technique is well-suited for identifying interactions between tiny molecules.
• Octet: This uses Bio-Layer Interferometry (BLI) to measure binding events. It does this by looking at how light reflects off a biosensor surface. BLI can analyze up to 8 samples (including reference) simultaneously per run and up to 56 samples per plate, making it faster and simpler than methods that need complicated microfluidics.

2. Throughput and Flexibility:

• Biacore: Biacore uses a flow-based system that reduces the number of samples it can handle at once and the quality of its recovery. As a result it usually processes fewer samples simultaneously.
• Octet: This technology is suitable for large-scale screening applications. It allows for the simultaneous analysis of up to 96 samples, which helps it achieve a higher throughput.

3. Sample Compatibility:

• Biacore: Measurement accuracy decreases when the tested materials have high solvents like glycerol and DMSO.
• Octet: The octet lets you work directly with dirty or unrefined samples since it isn’t much affected by the solution’s refractive index.

4. Sensitivity:

• Biacore: Biacore is well-known for its high sensitivity making it suitable for detecting small molecule interactions.
• Octet: This method may be less sensitive when studying small molecules making it less effective in identifying interactions with low molecular weight.

5. Data Quality and Consistency:

• Biacore: Biacore demonstrates high data quality and consistency levels making it suited for high-precision measurements.
• Octet: It demonstrates excellent flexibility and throughput, in addition to high data quality and consistency.
• Both methods yield highly comparable results

6. Cost and Accessibility:

• Biacore: Although generally more expensive, this may make it difficult for specific research labs to become accessible.
• Octet: It provides a more cost-effective solution, making it useful for various research applications.

Table: Biacore and Octet Biosensor Platform Comparison

When choosing a biosensor platform, researchers should consider their unique needs including sample type, throughput needs, sensitivity, and budget constraints. In conclusion, the choice between Biacore and Octet depends on specific experimental needs. Biacore is better for precise measurements and detecting small molecules, while Octet is excellent for testing many samples quickly and saving money.

Which Platform Is Right for Your Antibody Study?

Biacore and Octet systems have unique benefits. Therefore, it’s essential to consider your research’s particular needs when choosing the best platform for your antibody study. The choice should align with your research goals, striking a balance between the demands of data precision and throughput.

The sample type, needed sensitivity, budget, and experiment objectives are some variables that affect the decision between Octet and Biacore. Below, we discuss their capabilities in further depth.

Understanding Bio-Layer Interferometry (Octet)

Bio-Layer Interferometry (BLI) optically measures biomolecular interactions in real-time without labels. The Octet platform lets BLI monitor binding events by viewing white light patterns bouncing off a biosensor surface. This approach requires no fluorescent or radioactive markers. This shows binding affinities, kinetic variables, and association and dissociation rates.

1. BLI’s Use in Vaccine Development and Research

BLI is a prominent tool for vaccine research and development. The technology examines the interactions between antigens and antibodies to understand immune responses better and evaluate vaccinations effectiveness. For instance BLI has been used to investigate the degree to which antibodies bind to specific viral proteins, providing crucial data for vaccine development.

2. BLI in Research on Protein-Protein Interactions

BLI monitors protein-protein interactions in real time without labels. This expertise helps us understand biological processes by clarifying complex formation and dissociation dynamics. BLI has been used to study mitochondrial DNA polymerase component interactions to understand DNA copying better.

3. Investigating Protein-Ribosome Interactions with BLI

The investigation of ribosome protein interactions is another area in which BLI’s versatility is evident. Recent studies have found that BLI can effectively find interactions between ribosomes and translation factors.

It doesn’t require labeling, tests are conducted swiftly, and ribosomal samples can be reused. This application demonstrates BLI’s potential in researching the kinetics of protein synthesis.

Bio-Layer Interferometry helps study various biomolecular interactions when used in systems like Octet. It has helped improve molecular biology, biochemistry, and vaccine development.

Understanding Surface Plasmon Resonance (Biacore)

An optical method called Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) allows for the real-time analysis of biomolecular interactions without labels. Devices like the Biacore system use SPR to monitor how molecules stick together. It provides valuable information about how strongly they bind and how quickly they attach and detach from each other.

Using this technique, one interaction partner is immobilized on a thin gold-coated sensor chip, and the second partner flows across the surface. The binding interactions induce changes in the refractive index near the sensor surface, which the sensorgrams detect and record.

1. Utilizing SPR in Research on Biomolecular Interactions

Recent investigations have demonstrated the adaptability of SPR in various scientific applications. SPR has been used to measure how proteins and nucleic acids interact. This helps in finding and testing new treatments for diseases like HIV and lupus.

2. Screening and Characterization of Antibody Candidates

High-throughput Biacore SPR makes examining vast antibody libraries easy and finding correct-binding candidates quickly. This method accelerates therapeutic antibody development. Biacore SPR examines antibody candidates’ stability, affinity, and specificity.

3. Keeping an eye on quality control and antibody integrity

Humanized monoclonal antibodies are checked with Biacore SPR to ensure they keep their valuable properties during production and storage. This application is essential for quality control in the biopharmaceutical sector, where preserving the uniformity and effectiveness of therapeutic antibodies is crucial.

Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) helps study different biomolecular interactions when used on platforms like Biacore. Due to its real-time, label-free detection capabilities, it benefits it in domains including drug development, molecular biology, and biochemistry.

Technology & Working Principle

Octet and Biacore are two prominent platforms used to analyze biomolecular interactions, each employing distinct technologies Bio Layer Interferometry (BLI) and Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR), respectively.

Octet System (Bio-Layer Interferometry):

The Octet system uses BLI, an optical method that detects the interference pattern of white light reflected from two surfaces: an internal reference layer and a layer containing immobilized protein. The biosensor tip’s optical thickness increases when a ligand is placed there and interacts with an analyte in the solution.

This alteration causes a shift in the interference pattern, which is closely correlated with the biological layer’s change in optical thickness and is quantified in nanometers. Real-time information on concentration, association and dissociation rates, and binding specificity can be obtained by tracking this change over time.

Biacore System (Surface Plasmon Resonance):

Biacore uses SPR, which measures variations in the refractive index near a sensor surface. On a sensor chip covered in a thin coating of metal, usually gold, one interaction partner (ligand) is immobilized.

The mass on the sensor surface changes due to binding events as the analyte passes over the chip, changing the refractive index. By altering the angle at which incident light causes surface plasmons or coherent electron oscillations, binding events can be detected and measured in real-time without labels.

Sensitivity & Data Accuracy

When evaluating platforms for antibody studies, sensitivity, and data accuracy are critical factors to consider. The Octet and Biacore systems offer unique advantages and limitations in these areas.

Sensitivity:

• Biacore (Surface Plasmon Resonance – SPR): Biacore systems are well known for their great sensitivity, which makes it possible to identify interactions between low-abundance analytes and tiny compounds. This increased sensitivity is beneficial for examining interactions where the binding partners are present in trace amounts and for thorough kinetic investigations.
• Octet (Bio-Layer Interferometry – BLI): Octet systems are less sensitive than SPR-based platforms yet help investigate more prominent compounds. This constraint may provide difficulties when detecting interactions involving small molecules or analytes with low concentrations. But Octet can evaluate indirectly.

Data Accuracy:

• Biacore (SPR): Biacore equipment delivers high data accuracy and precise kinetic and affinity measurements. The system minimizes differences and ensures accurate and consistent results when analyzing how molecules interact.
• Octet systems (BLI): They are more flexible and can handle more data simultaneously, but their accuracy may change, especially when looking at small compounds. Studies show that Octet can produce binding strengths and reaction speeds close to those of Biacore systems. However, the results differ more from the model, which could affect their accuracy.

Biacore’s SPR systems are usually best for studying antibodies because they offer high sensitivity and accurate data especially when dealing with small compounds or low amounts of substances.

On the other hand Octet’s BLI-based devices are a good alternative for situations where high speed is essential and more considerable molecules are involved. Still, they may sacrifice some accuracy and sensitivity in the data.

Throughput & Sample Efficiency

When selecting a platform for antibody studies throughput and sample efficiency are crucial considerations. The Octet and Biacore systems offer distinct advantages and limitations in these areas.

Octet System:

The Octet platform can quickly analyze many samples, making it perfect for long cross-competition tests and epitope binning tests. These tests need to check multiple antibody interactions effectively.

Octet allows for direct analysis of raw samples, saving preparation time and reducing the use of expensive materials. It is beneficial when working with restricted sample availability because of its fluid-free process, which lowers sample consumption.

Biacore System:

Traditional Biacore technology processes fewer samples concurrently, potentially limiting the throughput of extensive analyses. However, because of developments in SPR technology, high-throughput devices that can analyze substantial antibody panels including epitope binning with less sample consumption have been developed.

To avoid clogging and guarantee data quality, traditional SPR systems need purified samples, which increases sample consumption and preparation time. However, contemporary high-throughput SPR platforms have been designed to minimize these needs.

Octet’s high-throughput analysis aids large-scale epitope binning and cross-competition investigations. The fluidics-free approach saves time and reagents by directly analyzing crude samples, especially when samples are scarce. Modern high-throughput SPR devices improve on older Biacore SPR systems by allowing large scale antibody research with small samples.

Cost & Accessibility

Both the Octet and Biacore platforms have clear benefits and drawbacks regarding accessibility and expense for antibody research.

Octet Platform:

• Cost: Compared to conventional Biacore systems, the Octet system is typically less expensive. Smaller research facilities and individual labs can now more easily access it.
• Accessibility: The Octet system is more affordable, making it available to a broader range of research organizations, including smaller biotech firms and universities.

Biacore Platform:

• Cost: Biacore systems are often more costly, which may be a deterrent for smaller labs or organizations with tighter budgets.
• Accessibility: Biacore systems are typically found at core facilities or major research institutes due to their higher cost. Smaller labs or individual researchers may not have direct access as a result. Nonetheless, this restriction may be lessened by certain universities providing shared access to Biacore tools.

When to Choose Octet (BLI)

Bio-Layer Interferometry (BLI) is a powerful method that allows us to measure biomolecular interactions in real time without using any labels. It is beneficial in various antibody research because of its unique “dip and read” configuration, which enables high-throughput screening without the complications of microfluidics.

When to Choose BLI for Your Antibody Study

1. High-Throughput Screening Needs: BLI can quickly evaluate several samples due to its open platform architecture. This ability to process numerous samples quickly helps early antibody creation and discovery, like phage display screenings. One study showed that a BLI-based functional test can screen scFv antibodies that target PD-L1, making therapy alternatives easier to find.
2. Real-Time Kinetic Analysis: BLI tracks antibody attachment and detachment in real-time. To understand how quickly and well antibodies and antigens bind and stick together, this feature demonstrates how strong and stable their interactions are. Comprehensive kinetic profiling helps choose therapeutic or diagnostic antibodies with optimal binding characteristics.
3. Label-Free Detection: BLI works without fluorescent or radioactive tags, in contrast to specific conventional techniques that call for labeling molecules. By keeping the antibodies and antigens in their natural condition, this label-free method guarantees that the interactions that are seen are physiologically significant. Additionally, it lessens the possibility of label interference and streamlines assay development.
4. Versatility Across Applications: BLI has been successfully used in host-pathogen interaction studies, antibody affinity maturation, and epitope mapping, among other areas of vaccine research and development. Because of its versatility, it is a valuable instrument in both fundamental and applied sciences.
5. Minimal Sample Consumption: BLI’s comparatively low sample requirements are helpful when working with restricted or valuable antibody quantities. This effectiveness enables thorough investigation without depleting essential resources.
6. Immobilization/capture of ligand: Ligand needs to have a tag to capture on premade sensors. Amine coupling for proteins without a tag is not efficient with BLI

For antibody research requiring high-throughput capabilities, real-time kinetic analysis, label-free detection, and adaptability to various applications, BLI is an excellent option. It is a favored platform in many research and development contexts due to its capacity to offer comprehensive insights into biomolecular interactions while preserving samples.

When to Choose Biacore (SPR)

The advanced, label-free optical technology known as Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) makes real-time monitoring of biomolecular interactions possible. It is a valuable instrument in many antibody research applications because of its accuracy and adaptability.

When to Choose SPR for Your Antibody Study

1. Detailed Kinetic Profiling: SPR is excellent at providing detailed kinetic information, such as association and dissociation rates, which are essential for comprehending the dynamics of interactions between antibodies and antigens. This degree of specificity helps choose antibodies with the best binding properties for medical or diagnostic applications.
2. Label-Free Detection: SPR ensures that observed interactions accurately reflect biological behavior by preserving the inherent functionality of antibodies and antigens and doing away with the necessity for molecular labels. This method lessens the possibility of labeling agent interference while streamlining assay formulation.
3. Low Sample Consumption: SPR’s low sample volume requirements are beneficial when working with rare or valuable antibody samples. This effectiveness enables in-depth investigation without using up precious resources.
4. Analysis of Crude Samples: SPR does not require prior purification to investigate interactions in complicated mixtures, such as serum or cell lysates. This feature expedites the screening process and simplifies procedures.
5. High Sensitivity for Low-Affinity Interactions: SPR is good at finding low-affinity interactions that other methods might overlook because of its sensitivity. Finding a wide variety of possible candidates is crucial in early-stage antibody screening; therefore, this is especially crucial.
6. Ligand Immobilization/Capture: When the ligand provided has no tag or very limited, amine coupling can be done very efficiently using Biacore.

For antibody studies that require detection without labels, use tiny amounts of samples, detailed analysis over time, and the ability to handle complex or rough samples, SPR is a great choice. It’s a popular tool for researchers who want to fully understand how antibodies and antigens interact because it is very sensitive and accurate.

Concluding Remarks: Selecting the Best Research Platform

Bio-Layer Interferometry (BLI) and Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) examine molecular interactions without labels. Each study approach has benefits. Octet-type BLIs enable high-throughput SPR. This “dip and read” method allows quick analysis without microfluidics, making it excellent for early antibody discovery and development. BLI has kinetics similar to SPR biosensors under ideal conditions.

Biacore and other SPR technologies are known for their sensitivity and precision in thorough kinetic profiling. For applications needing in-depth research, they provide excellent binding interaction data. BLI works faster, but SPR systems like Biacore offer better quality and consistent data. This makes SPR important for studying strong antibody-antigen interactions.

Your study needs should determine whether to use BLI or SPR. BLI is a promising solution for high-throughput screening and fast, flexible applications. SPR is the preferred method for comprehensive kinetic analysis and enhanced sensitivity.

By weighing the pros and downsides of each platform, researchers can choose the best one for antibody investigations. Stay tuned for our upcoming blog to examine the most recent developments in biosensor and antibody research. Do you have any questions or thoughts? We’d love to hear your thoughts, so please share in the comments!

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