Florida State University Improves Sample Preparation for Biophysical Studies

Oct. 4, 2013 - PRLog -- New Customer Application Note Available from Wyatt Technology

(SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA – 04 October 2013) - Wyatt Technology Corporation, the world leader in absolute macromolecular characterization instrumentation and software, publishes new application note highlighting a study made by Florida State University. Authored by Tsz Kin Martin Tsui, Claudius Mundoma and Hong Li from Florida State University, the paper showcases how the Wyatt DynaPro dynamic light scattering (DLS) system can be used to characterize homogeneity and stability of a heterodimeric protein complex (HPC) under various buffer conditions. The results demonstrate that the pH of the buffer solutions influences the sample homogeneity and stability. To obtain a copy of the study please visit the application note library available on their website.


A heterodimeric protein complex (HPC) from Pyrococcus furiosus is identified for its functional role in binding RNA. HPC has a total molecular weight of 65 kDa and has a tendency to form fibril materials in vitro as observed by electron microscopy.DLS data were acquired at 20°C using the Wyatt DynaPro NanoStar Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) system. A total of 10 measurements were performed for each sample, and the stability and homogeneity determined from the polydispersity and autocorrelation functions using DLS provided information on the biophysical property of the HPC.

Hong Li, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Institute of Molecular Biophysics, Florida State University, said “Biological macromolecules are the focus of the Institute’s research – their form, function, interactions and mechanism of action. Challenging frontier areas include characterizations of the interactions between proteins and membranes, sugars or nucleic acids. The DynaPro NanoStar is ideally suited for studies of these complexes in addition to nanoparticles, vesicles, viruses and colloids. The results from the study demonstrate that the pH of the buffer solutions influences the sample homogeneity and stability, highlighting the conditions where polymerization of HPC is thermodynamically more favorable.”

The Institute of Molecular Biophysics has a long history as a unique interdisciplinary research unit dedicated to the application of physical and chemical principles to the investigation of biological phenomena. Dr. Claudius Mundoma is the Director of the Physical Biochemistry facility which houses a broad array of biophysical technology used for macromolecular characterization of structure of macromolecules. He comments, “a technique such as Dynamic Light scattering is very efficient, requiring less time and sample than other techniques to determine particle size distribution and aggregation states of molecules.” Applications include investigations to improve vitamin C production or to re-engineer viruses for the efficient delivery of gene therapies to those with inherited disorders.

Tsz Kin Martin Tsui, comments “The instrument is straightforward to operate and can be used for a broad range of applications requiring both accuracy and high sensitivity, including investigations into the folding of proteins, assembly into larger structures, stability and dynamics. The results of this study can direct me to improve sample preparation by using appropriate buffer conditions for biophysical studies, which is particularly important for structural analysis.”

The DynaPro NanoStar system from Wyatt Technology is one of the most widely used dynamic light scattering instruments for the analysis of protein solutions, promiscuous inhibitors, buffers or other products in solution. Since its inception in the early 1990's it has become an indispensable tool for biomolecular sizing and characterization.

To learn more about Wyatt Technology, please visit www.wyatt.com or e-mail info@wyatt.com

About Wyatt

Based in Santa Barbara, California, Wyatt Technology is the world’s leading provider of instruments for absolute macromolecular and nanoparticle characterization. With over 40 years’ experience developing multi-angle light scattering detectors, working with customers in the biotechnology, chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, academic and government arenas, Wyatt prides itself on its entrepreneurial spirit, and the uniqueness of its offerings. The Company’s groundbreaking technology and uncompromising levels of customer care make Wyatt the global hallmark in its field. For more information, please visit www.wyatt.com

For further press information please contact: Sarah Morley, The Scott Partnership, 1, Whiteside, Station Road, Holmes Chapel, Cheshire, CW4 8AA, United Kingdom Tel: + 44 1477 539539  Fax: +44  1477 539540   email to:wyatt@scottpr.com