Dynamic Light Scattering - the Malvern NanoS system

Sample preparation

* The sample should be solubilized and as pure as possible.

* Ultracentrifugation of the sample prior to the measurements might be needed in order to remove aggregates and so to avoid experimental artifacts.

* A minimum volume of 40 microL is needed for the measurements.

* The minimum concentration of the sample is function of the mass of the system that you want to measure. (Refer to the Malvern calculator to determine this concentration for the NanoS system)

Upper image : filling up a low volume 12x12mm quartz cuvette with 40microL of sample solution

Starting up the system and setting the parameters

* (1) Switch on the system and (2) place the cuvette in the sample holder.

* Switch on the computer and load the DTS program.

* Prior to a measurements a Standard Operating Procedure file (SOP) needs to be recorded. For a peptide or protein solution, I suggest that you start with the following parameters :
    - Material : Protein,
    - Dispersant : Water,
    - Temperature : 25 degC,
    - Equilibration time : 120 s,
    - Cell : DTS2145 - Low volume glass cuvette,
    - Number of measurements : 1,
    - Data processing : General purpose, or you can simply use this SOP file.

Upper image : picture of the Malvern Zetasizer NanoS system