X-ray Diffraction (XRD) Technology

X-ray diffraction (XRD) is a powerful analytical tool for studying protein/peptide crystal structures, including information such as atomic arrangement, crystallinity, grain size, and defects. With decades of experience in developing and executing XRD analytical methods, CD Formulation uses XRD technology to provide reliable analytical support for the development and characterization of your protein/peptide drugs, from early development to late product release testing.

What is X-ray Diffraction (XRD)?

XRD is a technique for determining the atomic and molecular structure of a material by analyzing the way X-rays scatter when they interact with a crystalline sample. It involves shining a beam of X-rays onto a sample and measuring the resulting diffraction pattern, which consists of peaks and valleys corresponding to the spacing between atoms or molecules within the sample. By analyzing these diffraction patterns, mathematical methods are used to infer the atomic arrangement of the protein.

This method requires a high-intensity X-ray source and high-quality crystalline samples to obtain high-resolution structural information.It is the main technique for determining protein crystal structure.

X-ray Diffraction (XRD) Principle

X-ray diffraction is based on the constructive interference of monochromatic X-rays and a crystalline sample. These X-rays are generated by a cathode ray tube, filtered to produce monochromatic radiation, and then collimated and focused before being directed toward the sample. The interaction of the incident radiation with the sample produces constructive interference (and diffracted radiation) when the conditions satisfy Bragg's law ( n λ = 2 d sin θ ). This law relates the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation to the diffraction angle and lattice spacing in the crystalline sample. These diffracted X-rays are then detected, processed, and counted.

Fig. 1 The principle of X-ray diffraction. (Mayer C, 2017)

Our Services Related to X-ray Diffraction (XRD)

At CD Formulation, our experienced protein scientists master the most advanced crystal structure analysis techniques and are adept at high-resolution protein/peptide crystal structure determination by XRD technology to support independent and integrated protein/peptide biopharmaceutical discovery projects.

Our laboratory is equipped with the most advanced XRD equipment in the world and has successfully determined hundreds of crystal structures with a high success rate.

Using cutting-edge XRD technology, we provide the following XRD-related services, including but not limited to:

• Protein crystal structure analysis.
• Protein-protein interaction analysis.
• Nano-delivery material structure analysis, including phase composition, crystal size and shape, lattice distortion and faulting, compositional changes, orientation, and in situ structure development.
• Protein drug design.
• Solid-state characterization.

We provide one-stop protein/peptide crystallization and crystal structure analysis services. With our XRD service, you can obtain detailed information about proteins at the atomic level, including the position, spacing, angles, etc. of atoms. These structural data can help you infer the functional mechanism, molecular recognition, and interaction of proteins with other biomacromolecules. In addition, this structural information can also be used for drug design and custom drug development.

Workflow of Our X-ray Diffraction (XRD) Technology

Before this experiment can be performed, a high concentration of a purified protein sample is crystallized. By scanning the sample over a 2 θ angle range, a computer can record all possible diffraction directions of the lattice due to the random orientation of the protein crystals. The computer then uses mathematical equations with Fourier transforms to calculate the position of each atom and then generates a 3D digital image of the electron density. Finally, the electron density map and the X-ray diffraction pattern are used to build, adjust, and refine the protein model. 

• Protein or peptide sample purification.
• Crystallization.
• Diffraction, data collection.
• Determine protein structure.
• Understand the relationship between structure and function.

Fig. 2 Workflow for protein/peptide structure determination using X-ray diffraction. (CD Formulation)

Advantages of Our X-ray Diffraction (XRD) Technology

• A non-destructive technique for identifying crystal phase and orientation.
• Fast analysis speed.
• Extremely simple sample preparation.
• Provides detailed crystal structure information of target protein, including phase composition, structural variations, crystallinity and orientation, amorphous periodicity, size, and orientation.
• Provides a large amount of data on the atomic structure of crystallized pure protein.
• No size and solubility restrictions.

Our Expertise in X-ray Diffraction (XRD)

• XRD studies under process conditions.
• X-ray powder diffraction analysis in compliance with GLP and cGMP.
• Crystal structure analysis and determination of crystallographic parameters.
• Nanoscale structure, crystal size, and shape analysis.
• Protein crystallographic studies and drug crystal morphology analysis.
• Protein crystal morphology and orientation analysis.
• Structural analysis and structural characterization of powder samples.
• Protein crystal structure information, including phase composition, structural variations, crystallinity and orientation, amorphous periodicity, size, and orientation.

Custom X-ray Diffraction (XRD) Services

Why Choose Our X-ray Diffraction (XRD) Technology?

• We have a team of experts with rich experience in performing XRD analytical method development and validation.
• We have accumulated decades of expertise and successful project experience using XRD technology to support protein/peptide biopharmaceutical development.
• Our laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and technologies to support any type of protein characterization.
• We provide flexible experimental design and customized solutions.
• Fast turnaround time: detailed technical reports are provided within 5-7 days.

Publication

CD Formulation is dedicated to solving protein crystal structure challenges using state-of-the-art equipment and XRD techniques to accurately identify the arrangement of atoms within protein/peptide crystals and better understand their functions and their interactions with other molecules. Please feel free to contact us if you are interested in our services. Learn how our XRD technology can support the smooth implementation of your protein/peptide biopharmaceutical program.

How It Works

STEP 1

Submit a service request describing your specific research or development need.

STEP 2

We'll email you to provide your quote and confirm order details if applicable.

STEP 3

Execute the project with real-time communication, and deliver the final report promptly.