Micro Differential Scanning Calorimetry (μ-DSC) Services
ZentriForce Pharma offers advanced Micro Differential Scanning Calorimetry (μ-DSC) services – a highly sensitive and label-free technique for studying thermally induced transitions in biomolecules, including protein folding/unfolding, lipid phase changes, and other conformational events. μ-DSC provides critical insights into thermal stability, molecular interactions, and higher-order structure, supporting biopharmaceutical development, formulation optimisation, and biosimilarity studies.
Key μ-DSC Outputs Include:
- Transition midpoints (Tm)
- Heat capacity changes (ΔCp)
- Enthalpies (ΔH)
- Binding constants up to 10²⁰ M⁻¹
- Thermodynamic profiles of biomolecular interactions
Why Choose μ-DSC Services at ZentriForce Pharma?
Extensive expertise: A scientific team with deep experience across proteins, peptides, liposomes, nucleic acids, and complex biopharmaceutical formulations.
Advanced instrumentation: MicroCal PEAQ-DSC Automated system with high sensitivity and reproducibility, optimised for liquid samples with minimal sample consumption (325 μL per well).
Flexible and efficient operation: Standard 96-well plate format with autosampler, temperature-controlled cooling stacks, and automatic cleaning to prevent carryover. Temperature range: 2 °C to 130 °C.
Regulatory-ready data: Data suitable for FDA, EMA, and other regulatory submissions, generated under robust SOPs with full audit support.
Cost-effective analysis: High-throughput, low sample volume, and reliable results enable efficient and scalable biopharmaceutical characterisation.
Technical μ-DSC Specifications
| Main Output | Tm (Transition midpoint); ∆Cp (Heat capacity change); ∆H (Enthalpy) |
| Typical sample concentration | 0.01 mg/mL to 10 mg/mL |
| Additional Outputs | binding constants up to 1020M-1, Tonset |
| Sample Volume | 325 µl (minimum in well) |
| Measurement type | well plate (96 wells) |
| Temperature range | 2°C – 130 °C |
Applications of μ-DSC
Biopharmaceutical Development
μ-DSC is regarded as the gold standard for thermal stability analysis, supporting protein engineering, formulation optimisation, and higher-order structure characterisation. ZentriForce Pharma uses μ-DSC to quantify the impact of pH, ionic strength, excipients, and other factors on protein and lipid-based therapeutics, providing reproducible, label-free data that guide formulation and process development.
Biosimilarity Studies
In biosimilarity assessments, μ-DSC generates high-resolution thermograms serving as structural “fingerprints” for reference and biosimilar products. ZentriForce Pharma applies μ-DSC to compare thermal stability, domain structure, and aggregation tendencies, enabling confident demonstration of comparability for regulatory submissions. The technique is compatible with complex formulations, colored or turbid samples, and requires no molecular labeling.
Peptide, Protein, and Liposomal Analysis
μ-DSC effectively resolves thermal transitions in peptides, proteins, and lipid-based drug delivery systems. The technique provides critical thermodynamic information on unfolding, phase changes, and molecular interactions, complementing other analytical methods such as circular dichroism (CD) and FT-IR spectroscopy.
ZentriForce Pharma’s μ-DSC Instrumentation and Expertise
Our laboratories feature the MicroCal PEAQ-DSC Automated system, optimised for liquid biopharmaceutical samples. With an autosampler, temperature-controlled cooling stacks, and automatic cleaning protocols, we deliver highly reproducible, low-volume analysis (≥325 μL). Our experienced scientists provide tailored solutions across a wide range of biopharmaceutical products, ensuring high sensitivity, precision, and regulatory-compliant outputs.
Quality Assurance Aligned with WHO Guidelines
ZentriForce Pharma maintains a rigorous quality system aligned with WHO guidelines and regulatory standards. Over 30 SOPs govern instrument operation, sample handling, and data management. Only trained personnel operate the μ-DSC system, with full audit support available. The ZentriForce quality system ensures robust, confidential, and reproducible data for all clients.
Partner with ZentriForce Pharma
By integrating μ-DSC with complementary analytical techniques such as SEC-MALS, AF4, SV-AUC, and others, ZentriForce Pharma delivers a complete biopharmaceutical characterisation portfolio. ZentiForce’s expertise, advanced instrumentation, and regulatory-ready workflows make it a trusted partner for companies seeking precise, cost-efficient, and high-resolution thermal stability data.
📩 Contact ZentriForce Pharma today to discuss how μ-DSC can support your drug development program. Email the ZentriForce team at info@zentriforce.com or complete the Quick Contact Form below.
