Calibration is the foundation of reliable SPR data. This guide walks through the calibration procedure using NaCl solutions and what to expect from a well-calibrated system.
Calibration is one of the first tests you can do to verify your Affinité SPR and ensure the device operates within the expected sensitivity range. Here is how to do it.
Using P4SPR portable SPR as an example, the sensitivity of the P4SPR can be evaluated by injecting solutions with increasing salt concentrations. The SPR signal induced by a change of refractive index on the SPR sensor chip is directly proportional to the concentration of salt solution injected onto the sensor chip.
By plotting the expected refractive index versus the change of SPR signal shift in nm, one will obtain a straight-line calibration curve whose slope represents the sensitivity of the system in the unit of RIU/nm. The exact protocol is available for download. Note that the theoretical refractive index change corresponding to different salt concentrations is also provided.
For new Affinité users, this is also an easy way to familiarize yourself with the Affinité SPR device operation, data acquisition, and data processing using our latest ezControl GUI software. Give it a try and let us know what you think at [email protected].
About Affinité Instruments
Based in Toronto, Canada, Affinité Instruments has made it its mission to democratize SPR to enable all life science researchers to have SPR as a tool for quick binding analysis, bioproduction quality control, biomarker identification, assay development, and even in-vitro diagnostics.