The Challenge of Transmembrane Proteins
Transmembrane proteins are notoriously difficult to express and purify due to their hydrophobic nature and complex structure. Traditional expression systems often fail to produce functional, properly folded membrane proteins.
Low Expression
Membrane proteins are often toxic to host cells, resulting in very low expression levels
Aggregation Issues
Without proper membrane environment, proteins tend to aggregate and lose functionality
Purification Difficulty
Traditional purification methods are incompatible with hydrophobic membrane proteins
Three Technology Platforms
Choose the optimal platform based on your protein characteristics and downstream application requirements.
VLPs Platform
Virus-Like Particles embed membrane proteins in their native lipid bilayer environment
- Native membrane environment
- High immunogenicity for antibody development
- No detergent required
- Ideal for drug discovery
- Suitable for GPCRs, ion channels
Detergent Platform
Optimized detergent solubilization maintains protein structure and functionality
- Wide range of detergents tested
- High purity achievable
- Compatible with crystallization
- Cost-effective solution
- Established protocols
Nanodisc Platform
Membrane scaffold proteins create nanoscale lipid bilayers for embedded proteins
- Native-like lipid environment
- No detergent needed
- Highly stable complexes
- Ideal for binding assays
- Excellent for SPR/BLI
Platform Comparison
Compare the three platforms to find the best fit for your transmembrane protein project.
| Feature | VLPs | Detergent | Nanodisc |
|---|---|---|---|
| Native Lipid Environment | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Detergent-Free | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Immunogenicity | High | Low | Medium |
| Structural Studies | Limited | ✓ Excellent | ✓ Good |
| Binding Assays | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ Best |
| Stability | High | Medium | Very High |
| Best Application | Antibody development, Vaccines | Crystallography, NMR | SPR, BLI, Drug screening |
Applications
Our transmembrane proteins support critical research and drug discovery applications.
Drug Discovery
Target identification and validation for GPCRs, ion channels, and transporters
Antibody Development
Immunization and screening for therapeutic antibodies
Structural Biology
Crystallography and cryo-EM studies
Binding Assays
SPR, BLI, and ITC for interaction studies
Success Stories
We have successfully delivered challenging transmembrane proteins for clients worldwide.
Projects Completed
Successfully delivered transmembrane proteins across various classes including GPCRs, ion channels, and transporters
Max TMDs
Successfully expressed proteins with up to 12 transmembrane domains using our optimized platforms
Success Rate
High success rate for challenging membrane protein projects with our specialized technology platforms
Get a Free Quote
Tell us about your transmembrane protein project and our experts will recommend the best platform for your needs.
Prefer to talk? Call us at +1 (800) 123-4567
Or email support@biohippo.com
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Share your application, any details of your project, or special requirements. Our team will contact you after receiving your request.