Structural Biology & Drug Discovery Services Platform

Sample Preparation For Structural Biology Experiments

SARomics Biostructures' structural biology platform is equipped for all the practical steps required for successful structural biology work. This includes protein cloning, expression, purification, crystallization, and X-ray crystallographic or NMR spectroscopy structure determination. A proper characterization of the state of the protein in solution (solubility at given buffer conditions and monodispersity - the absence of aggregates or denatured material) is crucial for X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy. Therefore, our experimental work includes the biophysical characterization of protein samples.

For X-ray crystallography data collection, the facilities at our disposal include the local MAX IV synchrotron in Lund, which is located a couple of kilometers from our labs. However, we also use several other European synchrotrons like Diamond Light Source, the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) in Grenoble, and the Swiss Light Source (SLS). We collect X-ray data on average every 2 to 3 weeks.

To help our clients in planning their work, on the following pages, we discuss the experimental details of the experiments:


Our structural biology services also include protein optimization, which is run in a way reminiscent of the QSAR method (Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship) widely used in drug discovery:

Strategies for Lead Discovery & Structure-Based Drug Design

Over the years, the SARomics team has gathered a broad experience in library screening, hit identification, and structure-based lead discovery. As a result, our structural biology services platform currently includes an excellent drug discovery section. Here we share our experience and discuss structure-based lead discovery and drug design strategies. The choice of a strategy depends on the type of information available, like the three-dimensional structure of the drug target, known ligand structure (structures), availability of co-crystal structures of a ligand and target, etc. Screening compound libraries is, of course, central for any new lead discovery project. Our proprietary weak affinity chromatography technology (WAC™) fragment screening method, which has already demonstrated its efficiency in many projects, is used for initial hit identification. The next step in the process is fragment expansion and lead generation. It is run in close collaboration with our in-house partner Red Glead Discovery. This part involves medicinal chemistry and extensive X-ray crystallographic studies of target proteins in complex with the generated ligands. The drug design page here describes our strategies and associated technologies in more detail. You may also visit our blog for related posts.

Please get in touch with us directly, and we will help you plan your project, or visit the lead discovery services page for more details.

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