Dynamic Light Scattering

DLS background

Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) provides information about the size and distribution of macromolecules in solution. It allows for determination of the hydrodynamic radius, translational diffusion coefficient, polydispersity, and an estimated molecular weight of a macromolecule.

The most common DLS applications include:

1.      Determination of the homogeneity of a protein sample prior to crystallization trials

2.      Estimation of the molecular weight of a macromolecule

3.      Protein-ligand interaction studies

4.      Examination of conformational changes and self-association properties of macromolecules as a function of pH, ionic strength, temperature, and other solvent conditions

5.      Determination of the effects of storage conditions, lyophilization, or age on homogeneity of biological macromolecules.

Dyna-Pro DLS apparatus

The DynaPro-MS/X DLS apparatus employs a Peltier temperature-control system (0-60^oC). The accessible molecular size range is from 0.5 nm to 1μm in hydrodynamic radius. The sample volume is 45 μL at a minimum concentration of 0.4 mg/mL for a 14 kDa protein.

Vendor and Application Notes

http://www.wyatt.com/literature/appnotes/index.cfm