FCS Classroom
Biological Interactions that FCS Can Detect
In general, fluorescence correlation spectrscopy can be used to measure the diffusion, concentration, and interactions of fluorescently labeled molecules or particles.
The QuantumXpert FCS Spectrometer can be used to monitor these properties in solution. The QuantumXpert is optimized to detect the binding of macromolecules (protein-protein, DNA-protein, DNA-DNA or DNA-RNA). Most of the AssayXpert Kits are designed to utilize this feature of the QuantumXpert.
A general list of studies that can be conducted with the QuantumXpert includes:
- Translational Diffusion
- Chemical Kinetics
- Molecular Aggregation
- Ligand Binding
- Enzymatic Activity
- Nucleic Acid Interactions
- Dynamic changes in protein conformation
Specific examples of FCS assays can be found at:
- Sample FCS Experiments performed on the QuantumXpert
- Solution FCS Publications
- Cellular FCS Publications
Note: Although the QuantumXpert utilizes confocal optics and maintains single molecule (or single particle) detection sensitivity, it is not built on a confocal microscope, which means that it does not produce images and is not designed to work with attached cells. The QuantumXpert will work on small cells (or particles) such as bacteria or bacterial spores as long as the particle is no larger than 1-2 µm in diameter, and remains in suspension during the measurement.