We recently talked to Professor Malkiat S. Johal, a Professor of Physical Chemistry at Pomona College, about his experience using Nicoya’s OpenSPR. Hear more about how this platform can be utilized both in research studies and in the classroom.
Intro:
As a professor of physical chemistry at Pomona College, my research focuses on kinetic and mechanistic studies of protein-ligand interactions, particularly those relevant to disease. While we were aware of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) methods, we had no direct hands-on experience with OpenSPR. Our initial interest was in finding a complementary technique to Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation Monitoring (QCM-D) that would allow us to extract kinetic rate constants and binding affinities with higher resolution.
OpenSPR in Research:
We now use OpenSPR to support a range of binding studies. Although SPR is traditionally best suited for observing protein-protein interactions, we’ve had promising success using OpenSPR to measure the kinetic profiles of small ligands binding to proteins. The principal use of OpenSPR in our lab is to determine binding constants. These values are then compared with QCM-D data and rationalized further using molecular dynamics simulations to provide a multi-modal view of the binding event. We are also studying the stepwise formation of polyelectrolyte multilayers, and OpenSPR has proven valuable in helping us determine the apparent molecular weight of polyelectrolytes, work that will be featured in an upcoming manuscript.
OpenSPR in Teaching:
OpenSPR has also become an important part of my teaching. In my Advanced Chemical and Biochemical Kinetics course, OpenSPR provides real-world data that allows students to see how macromolecular interactions are quantified. Students work with sample datasets to explore kinetic modeling and thermodynamic interpretation, which significantly enhances their understanding of molecular recognition and biophysical chemistry.
OpenSPR Benefits & Recommendations:
Some of the key benefits we’ve experienced with OpenSPR include its intuitive interface, straightforward setup, and clear data visualization. It’s easy for undergraduate students to learn and operate, making it a highly effective teaching tool. The affordability of OpenSPR also makes it a strong choice for primarily undergraduate institutions (PUIs) like Pomona College, where we aim to integrate cutting-edge instrumentation without the high costs of larger systems.
I would strongly recommend OpenSPR to other researchers and educators, especially those at PUIs. It bridges a crucial gap between advanced biophysical techniques and accessibility, enabling meaningful research and teaching experiences alike. The ability to generate publishable data while training undergraduates in modern kinetic analysis is a rare and valuable combination.