Last Updated on
September 24, 2024
By
Excedr
Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) enables real-time analysis of molecular interactions without the need for labeling, making SPR systems indispensable across various scientific disciplines, such as drug development, biomolecular research, and material science, offering precise insights into binding kinetics, affinity, and concentration.
If you’re looking to acquire an SPR system for your lab, you’ll start to notice that the cost can vary widely. This range is influenced by factors such as sensitivity, throughput, and additional features.
In this article, we’ll review some popular SPR systems and their price ranges, as well as the key factors that affect cost differences. Hopefully this helps when it's time to make a procurement decision. Balancing your research needs and budget will be key.
An SPR system detects changes in the refractive index near a sensor surface, typically a thin gold-coated metal film. When polarized light hits this film at a specific angle, it excites surface plasmons—electron oscillations at the metal-dielectric interface. Any binding events on the sensor surface cause a shift in the angle at which SPR occurs, which is then detected and analyzed to provide detailed interaction data.
An SPR system relies on several key components working together to analyze molecular interactions in real time:
These components combine to provide real-time, high-precision monitoring of molecular interactions.
SPR systems come with features that make them indispensable for real-time molecular interaction analysis. The most important features include label-free detection, real-time interaction analysis, and high sensitivity:
These features make SPR systems essential for detailed molecular research.
When shopping for an SPR system, you'll find a range of options tailored to different research needs and budgets. Here’s a look at some popular models and their price ranges:
Choosing the right system is all about balancing your research needs with your budget. Biacore is great if you need top-tier sensitivity and advanced features, though it comes with a higher price tag. Reichert offers a more affordable, flexible alternative, while the SR7500DC is ideal for precise kinetic studies at a more moderate cost.
There are additional features SPR systems provide that can increase overall equipment cost. It’s important to keep these in mind when doing research on which system is right for you. From core analytical capabilities to customization and workflow integration, here are some of the ways system costs can go up.
Operating a Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) system involves more than just the initial purchase. Properly managing the total cost of ownership for an SPR system requires careful consideration of supplies, maintenance, energy efficiency, and warranties—all of which are ongoing operational costs.
By planning for these ongoing expenses, you can ensure your SPR system operates effectively, remains reliable, and that all of this fits within your budget. Let’s take a closer look at some of these costs, including essential supplies, maintenance requirements, and energy consumption considerations.
To keep an SPR system running smoothly and producing accurate results, you'll need to regularly replenish certain supplies:
Regular maintenance and timely replacement of worn components are critical to avoiding costly downtime and ensuring your SPR system operates at peak performance:
Energy consumption is another important factor that can significantly impact the long-term cost of owning an SPR system:
Investing in warranties and service contracts can provide financial protection and peace of mind, ensuring the longevity and efficiency of your SPR system:
The costs of operating a Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) system can also vary significantly depending on the specific research applications it's used for. Whether your focus is on drug discovery, biomolecular interactions, or nucleic acid research, understanding these costs is essential for budgeting and maximizing the value of your investment.
In drug discovery, SPR systems must handle high-throughput screening, detailed kinetic analyses, and advanced drug-target characterization, all of which require sophisticated features and high sensitivity. These capabilities can drive up costs considerably:
For biomolecular interaction studies, which involve analyzing interactions between proteins, antibodies, and other biomolecules, precision and detailed kinetic analysis are paramount:
In nucleic acid research, such as DNA-protein or RNA studies, SPR systems need specialized functionalities, including tailored sensor chips and precise temperature control:
Investing in an SPR system is a significant financial commitment, with initial costs ranging from $100,000 to over $1 million, depending on the system's complexity, capabilities, and brand.
However, the total cost of ownership extends far beyond the purchase price. Factors like performance specifications, software, consumables, specialized training, and long-term maintenance all contribute to the ongoing expenses, making it crucial to consider the full spectrum of costs when making your decision.
To choose the right SPR system, remember to balance your budget with your research needs. This means keeping what we covered in mind as you go through your procurement process:
For labs looking to maximize their research potential while managing their budget effectively, leasing an SPR system can be a smart choice. Leasing with Excedr allows you to access the exact equipment you need without the substantial upfront costs, extending your cash runway and enabling you to focus on achieving critical R&D and commercial milestones faster.