Malvern
Instruments has launched the Zetasizer APS, a new dynamic light scattering
(DLS) system which automates size measurements of samples in 96- or 384-well
microplates. Designed primarily for protein specialists, the new system is fully
automated, simply requiring users to insert the plate and press start.
The Zetasizer APS allows quick and easy investigation of a protein's
condition at different stages of the purification process, and at later stages
of formulation under a range of environmental conditions. The measurement technology
used delivers results with exactly the same high precision and reproducibility
you would expect from a research grade batch DLS system. There is no compromise
in data quality due to automating the measurement.
Dynamic light scattering measures the thermal diffusion of proteins and nanoparticles
in solution, enabling accurate size determination. It also allows further characterization
of the protein size distribution to determine the presence and proportion of
aggregates, giving increased control over the condition of a protein during
both purification and method development.
In fully automating light scattering measurements using microwell plates, the
Zetasizer APS makes screening and repeating sample measurements easy, and allows
different types of measurement to be made on a single plate. Once the auto level
sensor has determined that there is sufficient sample in the well, the sample
is transferred to a precision temperature and humidity controlled cell for measurement.
The sampling system and rinse protocol ensure no sample cross-contamination,
something that is tested between every sample through a background measurement.
The sample is fully recoverable upon completion.
The Zetasizer APS has dual temperature control to separate out the requirements
of the measurement and of sample maintenance. The fast, wide-range, programmable
temperature control facilitates automated temperature trend measurements for
melting point determination, protein purity or shelf-life investigations, for
example. The plate temperature is controlled separately to ensure samples are
held under optimum conditions before measurement.
Easy-to-use software guides the development of standard operating procedures
(SOPs) for repeatable measurement procedures and provides a range of result
reports, as well as the ability to customise data output.