Nanodiscs are characterized by uniform size, controllable composition, and environmental stability, providing essential support for membrane protein research, drug development, and nanomaterial applications. With proper design, nanodiscs can not only maintain the native conformation and activity of membrane proteins but also be adapted for various advanced analytical techniques, such as Cryo-EM (Cryo-Electron Microscopy), NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance), and MS (Mass Spectrometry).
Suitable for customer self-assembly of membrane proteins or for basic research.
Ready-to-use products with specific membrane proteins pre-loaded, ideal for functional analysis and screening applications.
Adjusts phospholipid ratios and types according to customer needs to meet different experimental requirements.
Size Range
Diameter typically between 8–20 nm, customizable upon request.
Lipid Composition
Multiple options available, including POPC, DMPC, DMPG, POPG, etc.
Membrane-Binding Protein Variants
Supports various forms including MSP1D1, MSP1E3D1, MSP2N2, etc.
To meet the diverse needs of research and applications, we have carefully selected the following popular nanodisc products, available in stock with fast shipping and customization services:
Poly(styrene-co-maleic acid) (SMA)
Diisobutylene/maleic Acid (DIBMA)
Poly(acrylic acid-co-styrene) or AASTY
Screening Kits
Membrane Scaffold Protein (MSP)
Pre-assembled Nanodiscs
Nanodisc Assembly Kits
Poly(styrene-co-maleic acid) (SMA) is a highly versatile copolymer, containing both hydrophobic moieties (styrene) and reactive, functionalizable moieties. SMA copolymers with different hydrophobicity and solubilization properties can be synthesized by various styrene-to-maleic acid ratios. Alfa Chemistry offers a wide range of SMA product, including the traditional SMAs and some new SMA copolymers. These products will be available in water solution or powder form at Alfa Chemistry.
Learn MoreThe diisobutylene/maleic acid (DIBMA) copolymer is composed of alternating diisobutylene and maleic acid moieties, which has been found as useful polymer in synthetic nanodiscs to solubilize cell membranes. Alfa Chemistry offers a wide range of DIBMA products with different polymer chains lengths and different buffer solutions. In addition, we provide various modified DIBMA.
Learn MorePoly(acrylic acid-co-styrene) or AASTY is a polymer recently developed by Smith et al for the synthesis of synthetic nanodiscs. It is a highly alternating copolymer composed of acrylic acid and styrene by taking advantage of the fundamental reactivity ratios of these monomers. Alfa Chemistry offers a wide range of AASTY products, which have various acrylic acid-to-styrene ratios and show different molecular weight.
Learn MoreBecause the versatility of membrane proteins and their composition reflect the complex nature of cell membranes, it is a challenge to predict with absolute certainty the optimal synthetic nanodisc polymer for solubilization and subsequent stabilization of membrane proteins. To help with this process, Alfa Chemistry offers a variety of screening kits made up of our classic and specialty SMA, DIBMA and AASTY products to simplify the screening process.
Learn MoreOnce the membrane protein is integrated into the MSP nanodisc, the membrane protein can maintain its monodisperse and activity in solution without detergent, which provides a strong technical support for membrane protein research. It can be seen that membrane scaffold protein (MSP) is the key component of nanodisc. Alfa Chemistry has developed a wide variety of MSPs with and without tags which can be assembled into tailor-made nanodisc of different sizes for the study of membrane proteins.
Learn MorePre-assembled nanodiscs are assembled with specific MSP and phospholipids. Its intended purpose is to stabilize a cell-free expressed membrane protein. In this process, pre-assembled nanodiscs are supplied in the mixture that integrate the nascent membrane protein, and detergents are not required, minimizing possible artifacts.
Learn MoreNanodiscs assembly kits contain a certain amount of membrane scaffold proteins, phospholipids and sodium cholate but not pre-assembled, which are used to create empty nanodiscs. These nanodisc assembly kits allow both cellular and extracellular expressed proteins to be stabilized in MSP nanodiscs. Just perform the corresponding experimental procedure for each purpose.
Learn More
We not only provide standard nanodiscs but also offer personalized services tailored to your needs.
Inquiry moreLipid Formulation Customization
Adjusting lipid types and ratios according to different research requirements.
Membrane Protein Loading Services
We can assist in the recombinant expression and insertion of target membrane proteins, such as GPCRs, ion channels, etc.
Compatible Tag Construction
Providing expression and purification support for commonly used tags, including His-tag, FLAG-tag, and others.
Scale Transition from Small to Large Production
Supporting scale-up from micro-scale laboratory preparation to kilogram-level industrial production.
Stable membrane protein environments help in the development of drug molecules targeting specific receptors.
Supports high-resolution structural analysis techniques such as Cryo-EM and NMR.
Utilizes the properties of membrane proteins to construct highly sensitive sensing systems.
Serves as a targeted delivery system for the transport of novel drug formulations.
Applied in artificial enzyme systems and microenvironment reaction setups.
Strict control over raw materials and processing steps to ensure product purity and uniformity.
A wide range of specifications available in stock, with quick response to customization requests.
Providing comprehensive technical consultation and application guidance.
Quality management conducted according to GLP, GMP, and other relevant standards.
Discover how our products are applied in real-world scenarios through our case studies.
Background:
A renowned university's drug screening research center, focused on new drug development and the construction of drug screening platforms. The research team faced challenges in the study of membrane protein and small molecule drug interactions, particularly with traditional liposomes that could not provide the required stability and accuracy.
Technical Challenges:
Membrane protein incorporation into traditional liposomes was unstable, affecting the accuracy of drug screening.
The size and functionality requirements of the membrane proteins needed for the research were high, and traditional lipid systems could not meet these needs.
Solution:
By using our company's functionalized nanodiscs, we successfully provided a more stable and uniform environment for the membrane proteins through precise control of membrane scaffold proteins (MSP1D1, MSP1E3D1, etc.). Additionally, the customer selected specific biotin labeling and fluorescent labeling functions to further enhance sensitivity and accuracy in the drug screening platform.
Results:
A highly efficient membrane protein-drug interaction model was successfully established, providing strong technical support for new drug development.
The customer reduced background interference during drug screening, improved screening efficiency, and successfully identified multiple promising drug candidates.
Background:
A leading global biotechnology company dedicated to the structural analysis and functional study of membrane proteins. During the exploration of novel antiviral drugs, the company required a stable membrane protein carrier to support Cryo-EM (Cryogenic Electron Microscopy) and other structural biology techniques.
Technical Challenges:
The company’s team faced the instability of membrane proteins in traditional carrier systems, which hindered high-quality structural analysis.
The reconstruction of large membrane protein complexes had high demands, and existing nanodisc products could not meet these requirements.
Solution:
We customized extended large-size nanodiscs for the company, successfully providing an ideal membrane protein reconstruction platform by precisely adjusting the nanodisc diameter and the type of scaffold protein. Specifically, we chose MSP1E3D1 scaffold protein to ensure a larger membrane surface area suitable for large membrane protein complexes.
Results:
The structure of the membrane protein-small molecule complex was successfully reconstructed, and high-resolution images were obtained using Cryo-EM.
The research team was able to more accurately analyze the functional regions of the membrane proteins, providing critical data for subsequent drug development and vaccine research.
Background:
An international pharmaceutical company is developing a new vaccine and needs to build a high-throughput drug screening platform to validate the vaccine’s effectiveness. The research team focuses on studying the interactions between membrane proteins and drug candidate molecules and requires a stable and highly uniform membrane protein carrier.
Technical Challenges:
The pharmaceutical company faced instability issues with membrane proteins during early screening processes, leading to unstable drug candidate molecule binding.
High-throughput screening requires a scalable and stable membrane protein expression system to support large-scale experiments.
Solution:
We provided the company with standard nanodiscs and customized the appropriate lipid ratio and scaffold protein according to their needs, ensuring the stability and functional activity of the membrane proteins. Additionally, the customer selected a membrane protein-drug binding kinetics analysis approach, using the high-stability membrane system provided by our nanodiscs for drug screening.
Results:
A stable membrane protein drug screening platform was successfully established, significantly improving screening efficiency and data consistency.
The customer identified multiple drug candidates in a short period, providing important scientific data for vaccine development.
How should Nanodisc samples be stored and used?
Nanodisc products should be stored at 2-8°C in the dark and protected from repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Before use, gently mix the sample by short-term gentle shaking. For long-term storage, we recommend freezing at low temperatures (-80°C) with appropriate stabilizers. Detailed storage and usage guidelines will be provided with the product upon delivery.
Do your company's Nanodisc products support embedding and functional verification of specific membrane proteins?
Yes. We not only provide blank Nanodiscs, but also assist in embedding specific membrane proteins into the Nanodisc system according to customer requirements, and provide functional verification support (such as ligand binding, activity assays, etc.). Additionally, we can optimize lipid composition, Nanodisc size, and membrane scaffold protein sequences based on the type of membrane protein to ensure its native conformation and functional activity.
How can lipid composition be adjusted when customizing Nanodiscs?
We support the customization of various lipid compositions according to customer needs, including but not limited to natural phospholipids (e.g., POPC, POPE, POPS), synthetic lipids (e.g., DOPC, DMPC, DPPC), and specific functional lipids (e.g., lipids with carboxyl, amino, or fluorescent modification groups). The lipid type, ratio, and bilayer thickness can be personalized to suit the functional requirements and experimental needs of the target membrane protein.
Can the diameter of the Nanodisc and membrane scaffold proteins (MSPs) be customized based on project requirements?
Yes. By selecting different lengths or modified MSP sequences (e.g., MSP1D1, MSP1E3D1, MSP2N2, etc.), we can control the diameter range of Nanodiscs (typically between 8 nm and 17 nm). For large membrane protein complexes or specific applications (e.g., Cryo-EM analysis of large complexes), we can also provide extended MSPs or new scaffold protein solutions.
How should I choose the appropriate Nanodisc system based on the target membrane protein?
Selecting the appropriate Nanodisc system requires consideration of the membrane protein's molecular weight, transmembrane structural features, functional activity requirements, and subsequent application platforms (e.g., Cryo-EM, mass spectrometry, or drug screening systems). We offer professional technical consulting and solution design services to help clients optimize lipid formulations, Nanodisc sizes, membrane scaffold protein types, and sample purification strategies, ensuring that the membrane protein maintains its native conformation and function in the Nanodisc environment.
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