Antibody Discovery and Binding Kinetics

Antibody discovery and membrane kinetics research combine advanced cellular and molecular analysis methods to identify, characterize, and optimize antibodies with therapeutic or diagnostic potential. Modern workflows integrate single-cell screening, droplet microfluidics, and surface plasmon resonance microscopy (SPRM) to achieve high-resolution insights into antibody function and binding behavior.

At the core of antibody discovery lies the ability to isolate and evaluate individual B cells, assessing their secretion profiles and antigen-binding properties in a high-throughput, miniaturized format. Droplet microfluidics enables the encapsulation of single cells into picoliter droplets, each functioning as an independent bioreactor, where antibody secretion, antigen interaction, and fluorescence-based detection can be monitored in real time. This approach allows researchers to screen millions of B cells within hours, accelerating the identification of high-affinity, functional antibodies.

Membrane kinetics studies complement this process by providing a direct, label-free means of measuring molecular interactions at the cellular surface. Using SPRM, scientists can quantify binding kinetics (association/dissociation rates and affinity constants) directly on living cells, offering a physiologically relevant view of receptor–ligand dynamics and antibody–target interactions.

At Altium International, we offer instrumentation that supports both dimensions of this research. Our portfolio includes SPRM systems from Biosensing Instrument US, designed for real-time membrane interaction analysis, and DPBio’s OMNIdrop and CytoSpark® CSP systems, which leverage droplet microfluidics for high-throughput single-cell screening and functional antibody discovery. Together, these technologies enable a complete workflow, from target engagement to kinetic characterization, advancing the development of next-generation biologics.