Experimental Design
A well-designed kinetics experiment makes analysis easy. A poorly designed one makes it impossible.
Workflow
Use these tools to plan your experiment step by step.
- Choose your chip/sensor
- Match buffers
- Target Rmax / calculate ligand density
- Design concentration series
- Plan dissociation time
- Set up controls
- Scout regeneration conditions (MCK only)
Experiment Design Simulator
NEW — InteractivePlan your entire SPR/BLI experiment step by step with a live sensorgram preview. See how your design choices affect data quality before you start.
Experiment Formats
There are three main approaches: two kinetic formats (MCK and SCK) plus equilibrium/steady-state analysis for when kinetics are too fast to resolve. Each has trade-offs — explore the interactive simulators to understand how they differ.
Multi-Cycle Kinetics (MCK)
One analyte concentration per cycle with regeneration between cycles. The classic approach — robust and well-understood.
Single-Cycle Kinetics (SCK)
Sequential analyte injections without regeneration. Ideal for slow off-rates or limited ligand.
Equilibrium / Steady-State
Measure binding at equilibrium when kinetics are too fast to resolve. Determines KD from dose-response curves.
Design Tools
Rmax Calculator
Calculate the theoretical maximum response based on molecular weights and immobilization level.
Concentration Series
Design a dilution series spanning ~0.1×–10× your expected KD (Myszka recommends a 100-fold span with each concentration replicated 3–5×). Broaden the range when KD is uncertain or off-rates are very slow.
Steady State Check
Check whether your injection time is long enough to reach equilibrium for steady-state analysis.
Buffer Matching
Visualize how buffer mismatches cause bulk shifts and learn to eliminate them.
Dissociation Planning
Calculate the minimum dissociation time needed to accurately fit your off-rate.
Regeneration Scouting
Learn the systematic approach to finding optimal regeneration conditions.
Buffer Recipe Calculator
Create precise running buffers (HBS-EP+, PBS-T) with exact gram weights.
Mass ↔ Molarity Converter
Quickly convert between mg/mL and µM/nM for sample preparation.
Immobilization & Chip Selection
Choose the right surface chemistry and sensor chip for your experiment.
Double Referencing
Learn why proper reference subtraction is essential for reliable kinetic data.
Controls & Best Practices
Essential experimental controls for reliable, publishable kinetic data.
DMSO Correction
Solvent correction for small molecule and fragment screening experiments.