Membrane Protein Technology Platform
Cryo EM
Our CryoEM platform combines advanced technology and strategic collaboration to deliver precise structural insights. At its core is the ThermoFisher 200kV Glacios 2.0 electron microscope, supported by the VitroJet for grid freezing—offering tightly controlled conditions, reproducibility, and faster vitrification with minimal sample consumption. For ligand screening, we rely on the Talos cryoEM to select the best grids for full structural elucidation.
Through partnerships with Swiss facilities, we have access to Switzerland’s most modern 300kV Titan Krios G4 microscopes, expanding our ability to achieve impactful results. Together, these tools enable us to advance membrane protein research with precision and speed.
SwissFEL and SLS 2.0 Synchrotron
Our access to the SwissFEL and SLS 2.0 at the Paul Scherrer Institute enables us to push the boundaries of structural biology. The SwissFEL’s ultra-bright and ultra-fast X-ray pulses are integral to our work in serial crystallography, allowing us to capture dynamic structural insights with unprecedented precision.
The upgraded SLS 2.0 provides high-brilliance X-ray beams for advanced crystallographic studies, ensuring the highest level of detail in our research.
These cutting-edge technologies help us accelerate discovery and refine our approach to structural studies.
Grating-Coupled Interferometry (GCI)
We are proud to be the first in Switzerland to use Grating-Coupled Interferometry (GCI) WAVEsystem® technology (developed by Creoptix) from Malvern Panalytical, a leader in advanced biophysical methods for studying molecular interactions. This powerful system provides high robustnes and sensitivity with an exceptional signal-to-noise ratio, enabling precise determination of affinity, kinetic parameters or thermodynamics for protein-ligand and protein-protein interactions, even at low immobilization levels or with large ligand-to-analyte molecular weight ratios and fast kinetics.
The waveRAPID® technology implemented on the WAVEsystem platform® in addition allows the acquisition of kinetic data at high throughput (kinetic screening), delivering ka, kd, KD, and Rmax from pulsed injections from a single sample (whitepaper). Advanced software including evidence-based and automated data evaluation furthermore enables the processing of large datasets from complex interactions systems with reduced user bias and calculation of statistical confidence parameters for each studied interaction.
Orthogonal Assays
Our long-term expertise in thermal shift assays allows us to support not only protein engineering, but also study ligand interactions in solution based on their effects on thermal stability of the target protein. Using the nanoDSF technology from our partner NanoTemper, thermal shift assays on highly sensitive membrane proteins can be performed with ease without any labelling. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and turbidity determined on the same instrument (Prometheus Panta) across a full thermal denaturation temperature gradient can deliver additional valuable information about protein oligomerization and aggregation. Microscale Thermophoresis / Temperature Related Intensity Change (MST/TRIC) (NanoTemper), represents another powerful methodology for characterization of ligand interactions in solution. Aided by our close collaboration with Nanotemper, we are pushing the boundaries for applying this platform to our membrane protein interaction systems for characterizing ligand-target interactions fully in solution.
Virtual Screening
Our spaceXplore platform enables structure-based virtual screening of ultra-large combinatorial libraries, containing trillions of compounds. By combining innovative software with industry-leading methods like Glide WS and AB-FEP+, we efficiently identify high-quality, novel screening hits. This fast, cost-effective approach accelerates the hit-to-lead process, delivering accurate results at scale and enabling rapid optimization of lead compounds.
Protein Science
We use a unique combination of proprietary technology to select stabilizing mutations for GPCRs and other target proteins. This approach integrates AI-driven structure prediction, computationally guided in silico mutagenesis, and knowledge-based rational construct design. We perform in silico mutagenesis to engineer novel variants that enhance thermostability, while ensuring that these mutations do not hinder ligand binding or selectivity.
To ensure optimal results, we employ high-throughput screening with FSEC-TS, routinely testing over 100 constructs to identify the most promising candidates. This integrated process accelerates the development of stable, functional proteins, supporting our biophysical assays and structural biology projects to drive your drug discovery efforts forward.
- AI Driven construct design
- Expression System
- Proprietary purification systems
Technology Partners
At the heart of our success is our collaboration with a diverse network of industry leaders, academic institutions, and technology innovators. Together, we tackle the most complex challenges in drug discovery.
