Using The HDX For Observing Protein Dynamics
Classic techniques for observing molecules, such as the use of X-ray crystallography or NMR, often aren't effective enough to observe protein dynamics and how proteins combine to other molecules. This can slow down research into proteins and microscopic molecules that interact with them. Fortunately, hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX) can make it possible to observe these chemical interactions.
The HDX Process
The HDX exchanges hydrogen for deuterium. This is accomplished by soaking proteins in D2O.