Biophysical Spectroscopy Facility
The Biophysical Spectroscopy Facility offers a range of world-leading spectroscopic and kinetics techniques to analyse and characterise micro- and macromolecules.
We support diverse research areas including protein science, biological mechanism, biocatalysis, structural biology, photochemistry, biomaterials, glycobiology and biomedical applications.
Working with us
Led by Dr Derren Heyes, the Biophysical Spectroscopy Facility provides access to and training on a range of state-of-the-art spectroscopy and kinetics instrumentation located throughout MIB.
We provide users with technical expertise, insight on experimental design and hands-on training on all instrumentation, which can be used to tackle many biological and chemical questions.
The facility offers:
Protein and peptide characterisation
Enzyme assays, understanding reaction mechanisms and identifying new reaction intermediates
Photochemical reactions
Chemical analysis
Characterisation of (bio)materials
Spectroscopy of biological systems
Redox chemistry
Protein dynamics and interactions
20+ advanced biophysical instruments
80 active users
100+ publications
Our equipment
UV-vis-nIR absorbance and fluorescence spectrophotometers
With capabilities to control temperature (including cryogenic) and pressure, and perform FRET, fluorescence polarisation and fluorescence lifetime measurements.
Circular dichroism spectrophotometer
Measures protein secondary structure and determine chiral purity of chemicals and materials.
FTIR spectrophotometers
Provides a vibrational ‘fingerprint’ of bonds in a molecule in solid or liquid samples.
Raman spectrometer
A powerful vibrational spectroscopy tool, the inelastic scattering of laser light to measure the structure and dynamics of chemical and biological molecules by.
Rapid mixing techniques
Stopped-flow and quench flow instrument to follow reactions on fast timescales.
Laser spectroscopy instruments
To trigger reactions with a laser for studying light activated reactions.
Light scattering
To measures size, stability and molecular weight of biological macromolecules and nanoparticles.
Electrochemical apparatus
To probe redox properties of biological molecules using potentiometry apparatus.
Our impact
Our projects support the MIB’s research missions by accelerating technology development, biomanufacturing routes to sustainable chemicals and materials, platforms for advanced therapeutics, and biological solutions for environmental protection. Working with MIB’s cross-disciplinary teams, we provide collaborative access, training and clear handover so partners can adopt, sustain and grow capability.
