Main applications for the CONFOCHECK are the detection and quantification of conformational changes in proteins and the protein concentration determination. Quantitative determination of the protein concentration and the secondary structure elements (alpha-helix, beta-sheet) from the analyzed protein samples is accomplished within seconds via internal calibrations. The CONFOCHECK is equipped with several specific protein sampling cuvettes that allow the measurement of solved and membrane bound proteins, even at very low amounts (10 µg). To reach optimal temperature constancy and to facilitate the measurement of temperature induced protein conformational changes, the sample cuvettes are temperature-controlled by a thermostat.
Temperature-induced unfolding / refolding processes are studied by the BioATRCell II. This unit facilitates the automized measurement of temperature ramps (0-95°C) from which the specific changes of the secondary structure and the protein melting point can be determined. Also processes like fibrillation and aggregation can be followed and analyzed. To monitor protein structural changes in dependence of ph changes or ligand-binding, a special dialysis top section is available for the BIOATRCell II. Here, low molecular weight substances can be dialyzed into the protein compartment without diluting the protein.