Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS)

​Application: Protein characterisation (size, homogeneity, viscosity)

​Instrument: DynaPro Plate Reader II (Wyatt Technology, now Waters)

​Location: VBC5, room E34

DLS measurements of hydrodynamic radius allow to measure the homogeneity, monodispersity, and aggregation state of a sample in solution in minutes and can be used to monitor protein quality during any (or all) stages of a protein purification project, or after storage. DLS can also be used to determine the size of a variety of nanoparticles, including liposomes, micelles, bicelles, and nanodiscs, and for aggregation analysis of chemical or biochemical molecules.

The DynaPro Plate Reader II measures dynamic light scattering in a high-throughput fashion on many sample types in standard 1536-well microplates. Therefore, sample consumption is minimal, only requiring 6-7 μL, meaning the instrument can be used to rapidly assess protein quality in solution. Additionally, DLS is a particularly useful tool to test colloidal protein stability in different conditions with a buffer screen over an extensive period of time.

Measurements can be performed by the users themselves after having received a compulsory training.
Measurements can also be performed by ProTech staff upon request.