A
research team in Japan has published work that illustrates
the utility of Malvern Instruments' Zetasizer Nano
particle characterization system in assessing the
suitability of a protein sample for crystallization.
While protein crystallization is a prerequisite for
molecular structure determination using X-ray diffraction
techniques, it is a time-consuming activity that
traditionally involves screening many different buffer
conditions to define the ideal.
Studies to assess the role of the Zetasizer Nano
in this screening process were carried out at the
Institute of Protein Research at Osaka University
(Professor Nakagawa's group), in conjunction with
Maruwa Food Industries and the Sysmex Corporation
of Japan. Measurement of particle size by dynamic
and static light scattering methods is known to be
an effective method in the evaluation of whether
or not a sample is suitable for crystallization.
The Zetasizer Nano uses both static and dynamic light
scattering techniques, and incorporates unique non-invasive
back scatter (NIBS) technology. The studies focused
on the use of this system to assess the condition
of protein solutions.
The results indicated that the application of back
scatter technology in the Zetasizer Nano enables
the quality of proteins at low concentrations around
0.1 mg/ml following chromatography to be assessed.
Importantly the system can be used equally well for
screening proteins for crystallography at very high
concentrations of around 100 mg/ml. The researchers
concluded that the system enables characterization
both of the protein sample before concentration and
at the very high concentrations seen close to crystallization.
The
results were presented at the Annual Meeting of
the Crystallographic Society of Japan in Himeji
on 6/7 December 2005.
www.malvern,co.uk/zetasizer
About Malvern Instruments
Malvern Instruments is a leading supplier of analytical
solutions for particle characterization and rheological
applications. Advanced technologies are combined
with robust mechanical designs and comprehensive
software to provide systems that measure material
characterization data (size distribution, particle
shape, zeta potential, molecular weight) and bulk
material properties. On-line, at-line and off-line
solutions are provided to meet QA/QC, control and
development applications across a diverse range of
industries. An extensive support service facilitates
the optimal design and exploitation of any given
system.
www.malvern.co.uk
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