Analytical services
Chiralabs offers specialist analytical services in molecular characterisation and behaviour using a variety of spectroscopic, physicochemical and theoretical techniques (especially chiroptical techniques such as circular dichroism and multi-technique approaches, see techniques). The breadth of our expertise allows us to advise on the wider implications of results, particularly in terms of drug discovery and optimisation. A general goal of our services is to provide not just results but understanding and rational solutions. We have experience of preparing submissions for patents, licensing (FDA etc.) and legal activities.
Molecular chirality & enantiomeric composition
Chiralabs can offer a full range of studies to determine absolute stereochemistry, enantiomeric purity and racemisation, with extensive experience of enantio-discrimination and chiral resolutions. We have pioneered the study of microsamples and the validation of bulk materials versus single crystals. We are leading experts in the use of chiroptical spectroscopy (circular dichroism, magnetic circular dichroism, optical rotatory dispersion, Raman optical activity etc.) and crystallographic analyses.
Crystal growth & polymorphism
Chiralabs has pioneered and developed new small-scale rational screening procedures, including the award winning CrystalGEM® technology, for the study of pharmaceutical crystallisation, polymorphism, enantiomorphism and morphology. We can identify polymorphically promiscuous compounds at an early development stage and optimise conditions. We can also rationalise and optimise crystal morphology, solvate formation and salt/co-crystal formation. To complement this, we have developed methodology for assessing compound solubility in a wide range of organic solvents and the effects of anti and co solvents on solubility.
Biomacromolecular structure & properties
Chiralabs can provide characterisation of biomacromolecular behaviour, including the secondary structure, interactions, binding and stability of proteins, glycoproteins (inc. mAbs...) and DNA. We are leading experts in the use of chiroptical spectroscopy (circular dichroism, magnetic circular dichroism, optical rotatory dispersion, raman optical activity etc.) and other optical spectroscopies to characterise secondary and high order structure in a complementary multi-technique approach.
Biopharmaceutical, biosimilar & biotechnology development
Chiralabs has specialist expertise in the process analysis and characterisation of biopharmaceuticals, including comparability and specification failure troubleshooting. We have pioneered the spectro-physico-fingerprinting of biopharmaceuticals, in particular for batch-to-batch comparisons and biosimilar analysis, using multi-technique approaches combined with complex chemometric analysis. Our approaches for validating and objectively comparing spectra (such as circular dichroism) have been implemented in submission to the FDA.
Spectroscopic & physicochemical characterisation
Chiralabs can help characterise the structure and properties of molecules in general, including inorganic complexes, synthetic organics and natural products, through a variety of techniques. Circular Dichroism is a particular speciality of Chiralabs. We also develop new techniques together with validated approaches and methodology for objectively interpreting experimental data.
Data analysis & pattern recognition
Chiralabs specialises in developing and applying novel data analysis and pattern recognition techniques to information-rich multi/mega-variate spectroscopic, physicochemical and molecular data.