SelectScience
Join Free
NewsLife Sciences

Differential refractometer for polymer and protein analysis

Testa Analytical Solutions
26 Feb 2021
Tom Casburn
Associate Editor

Product news

The new HK Series Differential Refractometer from Testa Analytical Solutions sets a benchmark for precise determination of specific refractive index increment (dn/dc) - an important parameter for polymer and protein molecular weight determination using light scattering techniques.

The specific refractive index increment (dn/dc) is one of the most underestimated parameters in material science. The assumption that using the approximate values for many polymers and proteins in published literature will not have a huge impact on molecular weight values determined by light scattering experiments, with or without GPC/SEC separation is incorrect. Because dn/dc is a squared term in the Debye Constant of the Zimm equation, any error in determining dn/dc will result in introducing considerable errors into molecular weight determination. In addition to this, precise determination of dn/dc within a GPC/SEC application is extremely useful in order to calculate mass-balance of the separation, and therefore determine the presence of absorption on the column which can again negatively influence any results calculated.

The HK Series dn/dc Differential Refractometer is a flexible device that may be used in either static or dynamic mode. In static mode, the specific refractive index (dn/dc) of dissolved samples can be easily and precisely determined in just a few minutes. Beneficially, the new system offers a large number of wavelength options enabling precise matching of your light scattering detector laser operating wavelength, thereby ensuring reliable and reproducible results every time.

Where the dn/dc value of the sample is already known, the HK Series dn/dc differential refractometer can be used for precise and sensitive concentration determination. The amount of sample used for this can also be easily recollected and therefore utilized for further investigations.

For more of the latest science news, straight to your inbox, become a member of SelectScience for free today>>

Links

Testa Analytical SolutionsCompany website

Tags

Protein QuantificationThe detection and quantification of proteins in a sample is vital across life sciences, pharmaceutical research and clinical diagnostics, and a variety of equipment is available to scientists to simplify the workflow. Proteins of interest can be easily labeled and detected on light-based detection instruments. Immunoassay kits allow you to identify a specific protein of interest and protein detection beads or antibody microarrays allow you to identify multiple specific proteins at once. Protein interactions and enzyme activity can also be monitored with protein-protein interaction assays. Additionally, the biophysical characterization of proteins is made easy with biokinetic analyzers. Find the best protein detection and quantification products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Refractive IndexMolecular Weight AnalysisMolecular weight analysis determines the size and structure of biomolecules, essential in protein characterization, polymer studies, and drug development. Techniques like mass spectrometry ensure precise results. Compare solutions for molecular weight analysis in our peer-reviewed product directory.Dynamic Light ScatteringDynamic light scattering is used to measure the size distribution of particles in suspension by analyzing the way light scatters off them. It is commonly used in materials science, nanotechnology, and protein characterization. Browse our peer-reviewed product directory to find the best dynamic light scattering systems, compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.PolymersPolymers are large molecules made up of many repeat units. Natural polymers such as DNA and proteins are essential to life, whereas synthetic polymers such as polystyrene and polyethylene are used widely due to their functionality. Typical techniques for analysis include GPC, SEC, DSC, FT-IR and NMR.

Related articles

Differential refractometer for polymer and protein analysis