Ligand binding assays are a critical bioanalytical technology for the quantitative detection and characterization of molecular interactions. Creative Diagnostics offers comprehensive ligand binding assay solutions to help you gain in-depth insights into the binding kinetics, affinity, and underlying mechanisms between biomacromolecules and small molecules. Whether in drug development, immunogenicity assessment, or biomarker analysis, our professional services provide you with reliable data support.

Figure 1. Ligand-binding assay under the influence of matrix interference
(Source: Gorovits B, et al. 2014)

Technical Principle

Ligand binding assays measure the degree of interaction between two molecules to determine binding characteristics. The core of this technology lies in the accurate measurement of the following key parameters:

• Binding Affinity: Quantitatively represents the strength of binding between a ligand and its target molecule (weak, moderate, or strong binding).
• Binding Kinetics: Elucidates how the binding process between a ligand and its target molecule evolves over time.
• Binding Concentration: Precisely measures the amount of reactants or products in a sample.
• Binding Specificity: Ensures the accuracy and specificity of the detection.

Application

Biopharmaceutical Development

In the development of macromolecular biopharmaceuticals (such as proteins, monoclonal antibodies, oligonucleotides, etc.), ligand binding assays are widely used in pharmacokinetic studies to evaluate drug concentration changes, clearance rates, and bioavailability in vivo.

Immunogenicity Assessment

This technology is employed to detect immune responses induced by therapeutic biological products in patients, including the detection of neutralizing and non-neutralizing antibodies, which is crucial for evaluating the clinical safety of drugs.

Biomarker Analysis

Ligand binding assays enable the quantitative detection of disease-related biomarkers, providing scientific support for disease diagnosis, prognosis evaluation, and the development of personalized treatment strategies.

Receptor Binding Studies

This technology can determine the types, anatomical distribution, and density of cell membrane receptors and other protein receptors, as well as the affinity and binding sites of ligands to receptors. It is widely applied in the study of membrane proteins such as G protein-coupled receptors.