Principles
MicroScale Thermophoresis (MST) achieves precise quantitative analysis of molecular interactions based on thermophoretic properties of molecules within a microscopic temperature gradient field. An infrared laser creates a local temperature gradient (ΔT ≈ 1–5 °C); fluorescently labeled target molecules undergo directed thermophoresis. Upon ligand binding, a detectable shift in migration rate occurs.
Core Advantages
- Low consumption & high efficiency: Sample usage only 1/5–1/10 of traditional techniques; duration shortened by 60%+
- Strong compatibility: No purification needed; direct detection in cell lysates, serum, liposomes
- Conformational fidelity: In-solution detection avoids conformational changes from solid-phase immobilization
- High sensitivity: Detects weak interactions between small molecules (<100 Da) and macromolecules
Detection Range
Affinity coverage from pM to mM level, meeting full-spectrum needs from weak to strong interactions.