The FIDA Software Suite covers the whole Flow Induced Dispersion Analysis (FIDA) workflow, from designing the assay and running the instrument to analysing the data and reporting the results, with quality control built in. Before you run any sample, the software can simulate the assay from first principles, so you can see what the binding curve should look like. It is freely available to FIDA users, including ongoing updates.

The FIDA Software Suite includes an assay design module, an assay setup module (instrument controls), a data analysis module and a reporting module. The software has three main windows, as described in the Software Basics course on the Fidabio Learning Hub. The assay design window is a first principle based simulation tool for assay predictions. The data analysis window analyses the FIDA curves (Taylorgrams) to obtain the hydrodynamic radius and sample quality parameters. The binding curve window analyses binding assays with different binding isotherms to obtain complex size, affinity and reaction rate constants; the models are explained in Which binding model should you use to fit FIDA affinity data?

Data analysis window of the Fida software: loaded data files, autoanalysis options, experimental parameters, a selected Taylorgram and its fit, and the results for multiple species, PDI, viscosity, residence time and spike counter — The data analysis window (Software Basics course).

Binding curve window of the Fida software: hydrodynamic radius against analyte concentration with the fitted binding curve, and the output parameters, the hydrodynamic radius of the indicator and of the complex and the dissociation constant, with standard deviations — The binding curve window, with a fitted binding curve and its output parameters (Software Basics course).

What are the assay design tools?

Assay design enables in-silico assay development and protocol generation. All the relevant parameters can be documented, processed and evaluated upfront, ahead of wet lab experiments. The assay design tool helps users find the methods suited to their sample for optimal data generation. For ease of use, users can generate protocols in .doc format containing all defined information, as well as detailed dilution series for sample preparation. Assay-specific methods and sequences can be exported directly to the Fida instrument, which saves time and minimises the risk of human error.

What Quality Control parameters are incorporated in the software?

Eight QC parameters are directly incorporated into the software: size, aggregation, stickiness, PDI, PDB Correlator, sample loss, viscosity and labelling quality. The QC dashboard shows them for each sample, and all FIDA readouts are summarised in What is an efficient method for screening binding and characterising molecules?

QC dashboard of the Fida software: viscosity, PDI, PDB Rh, spike counter and Rh of a sample, with the multiple species and PDI results, the structural and Rh predictor, and the Taylorgrams — The QC dashboard, with the quality control parameters of one sample (Software Basics course).

What formats can I export the QC reports in?

You can export your QC data as .txt or PDF files. Binding curve reports can be generated as .pdf or .doc files.

What can the software do on the newest Fida model?

On the newest Fida model, a pause and play function lets you pause a run, adjust the method or the assay design, and start it again in real time. The instrument also has API software with a built-in SiLA driver, so it can communicate with automation systems and digital lab infrastructure, as explained in the webinar The new Fida Instrument: Fida Evolve: how does it differ and what do the users think?

Can you simulate an assay before running a sample?

Yes. The assay design window is a pre-experiment window: you enter the indicator and analyte details and the expected affinity, and the software simulates the binding curve from first principles. From the expected sizes of the indicator and the complex, it also suggests the run conditions (pressure and time), as described in the Software Basics course on the Fidabio Learning Hub.

Assay design window of the Fida software, Interaction tab: indicator and analyte details, expected dissociation constant, binding sites, data points, temperature and viscosity, with the predicted binding curve of hydrodynamic radius against analyte concentration and a protocol evaluation — The Interaction tab of the assay design window: the software predicts the binding curve from your inputs.

Assay design window of the Fida software, Method tab: suggested procedure with the time and pressure of each step (rinse, pre-equilibration, analyte, indicator, analyte) and the total sample analysis time — The Method tab of the assay design window: suggested run steps, times and pressures.

Is the Fida Analysis software suite freely available to FIDA users?

Yes, including ongoing updates.

Is there a licence on FIDA software Suite?

Currently, the FIDA software is not separately charged.

Is the FIDA Platform compliant with 21 CFR part 11?

A dedicated 21 CFR Part 11 FIDA Software Suite is available. Contact your regional sales representative for more information.

Related resources

How to check a protein's size against its PDB or AlphaFold structure? explains one of the QC tools, and How to perform a binding affinity assay? shows the software in a binding workflow. The Software Basics and Data reporting courses are on the Fidabio Learning Hub.