14 November 2012: Malvern, UK: One of the most significant applications for Malvern Instruments¹ new Zetasizer Nano ZSP dynamic light scattering system is the highly sensitive measurement of the zeta potential, or electrophoretic mobility, of proteins. The instrument delivers unique performance specifications for both size and zeta potential measurement, employing an approach to zeta potential measurement that accords with the latest industry guidance.
Published during 2012, standard guide ASTM E2865 deals with the measurement of mobility and zeta potential in systems containing biological material such as proteins, DNA, liposomes and other similar organic materials that possess particle sizes in the nanometer scale, below 100 nm. These materials are often labile, especially when subjected to an electric field, and standard electrophoretic techniques can lead to measurement of the resulting aggregates rather than the native material.
It has been shown that much of the aggregation takes place at the electrodes. In the Zetasizer Nano ZSP, use of Malvern¹s patented Diffusion Barrier Technique protects the sample by isolating it from the electrode, as recommended in the ASTM standard. Consequently the applied voltage can be switched on for longer periods to generate more reliable measurement data. The method involves the use of a unique, disposable folded capillary cell which allows measurements to be conducted on samples as small as 20 microliters.
The measurement process is simplified by the inclusion of a protein mobility measurement type in the instrument software that controls data acquisition, guides the user through the measurement and assesses and reports on data quality. Additional tools in the software also allow calculation of protein charge, as illustrated here: http://www.malvern.com/protein-mobility-video
Further details of the benefits of the Diffusion Barrier Technique for protein mobility measurements can be found at http://www.malvern.com/diffusion-barrier-technique
For full details of ASTM E2865 go to http://www.astm.org/Standards/E2865.htm
About Malvern Instruments
Malvern Instruments is a market leader in measuring performance controlling material properties. These include particle size, particle shape, zeta potential, molecular weight, size and conformation, rheological properties and chemical identification. Malvern delivers the systems, support and expertise that ensure the analytical integrity and productivity needed to drive research, development and manufacturing.
Malvern¹s measurement solutions for scientists, technologists and engineers advance continually through customer collaboration. Complementary materials characterization systems deliver inter-related measurements that reflect the complexities of particulates and disperse systems, nanomaterials and macromolecules. Combining intelligently implemented technologies with in-depth industry applications knowledge and support, Malvern provides customers with the competitive advantage they demand.
Headquartered in Malvern, UK, Malvern Instruments has subsidiary organizations in all major European markets, North America, China, Japan and Korea, a joint venture in India, a global distributor network and applications laboratories around the world. www.malvern.com
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