Light Scattering - The DynaPro NanoStar

Preparing a sample

* 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.

* Fill up a cuvette with your sample and place it in the DynaPro NanoStar system. You will have to use quartz cuvettes for SLS measurements while quartz and plastic cuvettes are both suitable for DLS measurements.

Upper image : A low volume (10 MicroL) plastic cuvette and it's metal support

Starting up the system

* Switch on the DynaPro NanoStar system.

* Switch on the computer and load the 'Dynamics' program.

* Connect the software to the machine (keyboard shortcut : Ctrl+H)

* Switch on the laser. Use the (A) 'Tab' and (B) 'Enter' buttons on the front of the machine to navigate in the menus (see illustration)

Upper image : picture of the DynaPro NanoStar system. (A) 'Tab' and (B) 'Enter' buttons are used to switch on the laser

Setting the parameters

* I suggest that you use this file that includes standards parameters for DLS measurements. This file is suitable for SLS measurements.

* If you want to work at temperature below 20 degC, the system have to be vented with nitrogen gas in order to prevent water condensation.