Biosensors

heliX+

Kinetics – Affinity – Avidity – Conformational Changes

Versatility is key

Comprehensive biophysical characterizations

heliX+
heliX+
unique design features

Comprehensive biophysical characterization in one measurement

Versatility
The heliX+ biosensor uses switchSENSE® technology. It offers a diverse range of measurement modes and surface functionalizations, covering applications like ternary complexes and enzymatic activity.
Sensitivity
Fluorescence sensing with time-resolved single-photon counting technology for superior performance. Two-color detection for multiplexing and FRET assays.
Automation
Autonomous device operation with embedded control system, autosampler for 384-well plates, automatic chip exchange and seamless traceability with RFID tags.
Precision
Advanced on-chip microfluidics for artefact-free measurements and quantitation of fast and slow kinetics with conficence. In-run washing, low maintenance, disposable.

The heliX® Adapter Chip

  • 2 detection spots x 2 colors
    for real-time referenced measurements of 2 interactions, or monitoring of up to 4 interactions simultaneously.
  • automated sensor exchange
    load up to 5 chips in one rack and switch automatically between 5 channels and 10 sensor spots.
  • NFC near field communication
    between instrument and chip for seamless traceability of chip status and usage history. Ideal for consistent, error-free results. 
  • advanced microfluidics
    minimalist single-channel design, engineered for robustness: made from durable glass, withstanding highest flow rates and corrosive chemicals, disposable.
  • Temperature Control
    Sample temperature adjustable between 15°C and 40°C.

heliX® Optical Detection System

Combine fluorescence sensing with time-resolved single-photon counting technology to get superior performance that is applicable to almost any molecular experiment.

  • Epi-fluorescence set-up with high-numerical aperture for optimal photon collection.
  • Simultaneous detection of four signals (2 x 2) by four single-photon detectors.
  • Two-color detection, red and green, from each sensor spot.
  • Two detection spots in each flow channel for real-time referencing of two colors or multiplexing of four interactions.
  • Proprietary E-TCSPC electronics (Electrically-triggered Time Correlated Single Photon Counting) for nanolever switching speed measurements with 0.1 µs resolution.

Measurement modes

  • Detection of molecular binding via fluorescence proximity sensing.
  • Analysis of molecular friction (conformational) changes by E-TCSPC nanolever switching speed measurements.
  • Analysis of binding, ternary complexes and nucleic acid conformational changes via two-color FRET

heliX® Advanced Fluidics System

heliX® microfluidics were designed from scratch, based on many years of experience with binding kinetics measurements in flow.

The cross-over design with integrated microvalves enables the flow of analyte and buffer from two opposite directions across the sensor. 

This allows for a rapid solution exchange, unrivalled by any other commercially available system. Fluidics can be operated using classical one-way flows, too. Every component has been optimized for fast response times and minimal sample consumption, while ensuring maximal robustness for years of maintenance-free operation.

  • rapid flow switching within 20 ms
  • no cross-contamination
  • maintenance-free (no IFC)
  • in-run sample line washing

heliX® Autosampler

  • Automated workflows.
  • Fully automated throughput using 96 or 384 well plates.
  • Additional space for different glass vials.
  • Temperature controlled sample compartment (4 – 40 °C).

heliX® Automation and Scalable Throughput

  • Control of several heliX® units at the same time for scalable throughput
  • modular connection to heliOS network
    Autonomous device operation with embedded control system.
    Stable data transfer to control PC.

heliX® Applications

The heliX® biosensor utilizes switchSENSE® technology, offering multi-parameter analysis of molecular interactions

Affinity, avidityKd, fM
Kineticskon, koff
Dose responseEC/IC50
Multi-specific interactionsTwo-color detection
Conformational changesFolding / unfolding
 Analyte-induced conformational changes
 Relative size changes
Ternary complex formationTernary and binary interactions PROTACs, molecular glues, dimerization
Nucleic acid enzyme activitykcat, Kd

Interested in a different biosensing technology? Explore our portfolio