Biophysics

close collaboration • rapid delivery • flexible solutions • deep expertise

The Domainex biophysics group provides state‑of‑the‑art, modality‑agnostic, biophysical technologies to accelerate and de‑risk your drug discovery program

 

 

 

Our platform supports hit identification, hit validation, and full mechanistic characterisation across small‑molecule and biotherapeutic modalities

  • Deep biophysics expertise, gained from decades of applying advanced biophysical techniques to discovery projects across multiple target classes and modalities
  • Fully integrated environment, with shared laboratories alongside protein science, structural biology, biochemistry, and cell biology for seamless workflows and rapid problem‑solving
  • Local bioanalytical and chemistry functions, enabling fast turnaround and multidisciplinary collaboration
  • Flexible and customised solutions to meet your scientific objectives, timelines, and budget
Domainex Biophysics services

 

Our biophysics team has experience applying biophysical techniques across multiple stages of discovery and a wide range of target classes:

Domainex biophysics - analysis of sample tray

Biophysical Applications Experience:

  • Modality agnostic: Expertise with a broad range of modalities from small to large molecules (e.g. antibodies, nanobodies, PPI, peptides, small molecules, bivalent ligands, molecular glues, RNA/DNA)
  • Small molecules: Fragment-Based Drug Discovery (FBDD; in-house Fragment Builder, or external fragment libraries), virtual screening (LeadBuilder), library screening, hit confirmation and SAR support
  • Biotherapeutics: Protein QC, protein aggregation, thermal stability, protein oligomerisation and early developability assessment
  • Mechanism-of-Action (MoA) studies: e.g. substrate competition, co-binding of bivalent antibodies
  • Ternary complex formation: bivalent ligands & molecular glues Epitope binning, bi-specifics, off-rate ranking and Fc receptor screening
  • Crude sample compatibility: Multiple techniques available with compatibility with Direct-to-Biology (D2B) approaches (crude reaction mixtures), off-rate screening and complex matrices (e.g. plasma, and cell lysates)
  • Target class experience: Experience across a diverse range of target classes (e.g. membrane proteins, RNA, enzymes, E3 ligases & multi-protein complexes)

 

Biophysics Capabilities at Domainex

TechniqueOutputAdvantagesFragment ScreeningLibrary ScreeningOrthogonal Hit ConfirmationMechanism-of-Action (MoA)Selectivity Profiling

Grating Coupled Interferometry (GCI/SPR) 

  • Binding affinity (KD)
  • Kinetics (kon and koff)
  • Target specificity
  • High sensitivity
  • Low sample use
  • Compatible with complex samples

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Spectral Shift and TRIC 

  • Binding affinity (KD)
  • Solution-based
  • Low sample use
  • Medium-high throughput
  • Fast assay development

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

MicroScale Thermophoresis (MST) 

  • Binding affinity (KD)
  • Solution-based
  • Low sample use
  • Fast assay development

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC) 

  • Binding affinity (KD)
  • Thermodynamics (ΔG, ΔH, ΔS)
  • Stoichiometry
  • Label-free
  • Thermodynamic profiling
  • Solution-based

No

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Differential Scanning Fluorimetry (DSF)

  • Melting temperature (Tm)
  • Fast assay development
  • Medium-high throughput

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

NanoDSF

  • Melting temperature (Tm)
  • Aggregation determination
  • Label-free
  • No assay development
  • Detergent compatible

No

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Domainex support integrated drug discovery programmes?

The biophysics team at Domainex supports integrated drug discovery programs by working seamlessly with internal medicinal chemistry, structural biology, computational chemistry, and screening groups. This integrated model ensures that biophysical insights directly inform hit identification, hit‑to‑lead progression, and lead optimisation.

Does Domainex do SPR?

Domainex offers GCI, which is analogous to Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR). In both techniques, the target protein is immobilised onto specialised sensor chips and the passage of analytes over the chip surface is monitored as time‑dependent changes in refractive index, which can indicate bi‑molecular interactions.

How do I know which biophysical method is best for my project?

Domainex scientists review your target, modality, and project goals to recommend the most informative and cost‑effective biophysical methods. We regularly design bespoke workflows, selecting the right technique or combination of techniques to answer your specific biological questions.

Can you work with challenging targets or complex samples?

Yes. The team at Domainex has extensive experience with difficult proteins, low‑affinity binders, membrane‑associated targets, multi‑domain constructs, fragments, and chemically diverse small molecules. We also provide support for assay development, buffer optimisation, and protein engineering to ensure high‑quality data.

Do you offer high‑throughput or rapid‑turnaround biophysics?

Domainex provides rapid screening for early triage, hit validation, and fragment expansion. For time‑critical projects, we offer accelerated timelines while maintaining data robustness and scientific integrity.

What data outputs will I receive?

You receive a comprehensive, decision‑ready data package that typically includes:

  • Raw data files
  • Curated, analysed datasets
  • Binding curves, kinetic fits, and thermodynamic summaries
  • Clear interpretation and biological context
  • Recommendations for next steps
How do you ensure data quality and reproducibility?

At Domainex, quality is built into every step, from protein production and assay design through to analysis and peer review. We follow stringent QC criteria, use orthogonal approaches when appropriate, and provide transparent reporting to ensure high confidence in results.

How do I start a project or discuss feasibility?

Contact Domainex through our enquiry form with your target and objectives. Our scientists will arrange a consultation to discuss project scope, feasibility, timelines, and recommended methods, ensuring a smooth and collaborative project launch.

Case studies