Analysis of virus particles by dynamic light scattering

Testa Analytical Solutions has published a new applications report that demonstrates how DLS can be used as an effective analytical technique for analyzing virus particles in solution

22 Jul 2020
Tom Casburn
Associate Editor

Product news

A new application report by Testa Analytical Solutions examines four fish viruses incubated under laboratory culture conditions that have the potential to wreak significant economic damage to both recreational and commercially important fish populations.

Traditional visual methods of observing virus particles in solution give a snapshot of only a very small and potentially unrepresentative sampling volume. By comparison, the technique of particle analysis using dynamic light scattering yields an ensemble average of particles present in these solutions. Data presented in the report is from DLS measurements made on a NanoBrook ZetaPALS instrument equipped with a BI-MAS accessory to provide particle sizing capability.

The authors discuss how analyzing virus particles incubated in the laboratory present a challenge, as they must be grown within cells in a media containing albumin and other small proteins, such as those present in Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS) solution. When virus particles are released from the cells, the cell fragments are large and can be separated by centrifugation, but the smaller proteins of the media cannot be removed. Careful selection of the distribution parameters from a dynamic light scattering experiment allows the size distributions of virus particles to be clearly observed in the presence of much smaller proteins that constitute the media.

The results presented in the applications report clearly show the presence of virus particles with the expected average dimensions when observed by an intensity weighted distribution. However, the absence of these particles in the number distribution shows the virus particles are present in relatively small numbers compared to the proteins and other small molecules in cell growth media.

The Nanobrook ZetaPALS from Testa Analytical provides a platform for zeta potential determination of nanoparticles and colloids in water with salt concentrations less than 75 millimolar ionic strength. The instrument is designed to eliminate the shortcomings inherent in other zeta potential instruments.

For a copy of the application report please visit https://testa-analytical.com/papers/paper24.html.

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Particle CharacterizationParticle characterization instruments are used to determine particle size distribution, shape, surface area, zeta potential, density and porosity of particles and materials. Multiple tecchniques are available for determining particle size, shape and count including dynamic light scattering (DLS), laser diffraction, electrozone (Coulter technique), imaging particle analysis and single particle optical sensing. Determine the density of your material with a gas pycnometer or examine its surface area and porosity with gas adsorption analyzers and mercury porosimeters. Find the best particle characterization instruments in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Protein QuantificationThe detection and quantification of proteins in a sample is vital across life sciences, pharmaceutical research and clinical diagnostics, and a variety of equipment is available to scientists to simplify the workflow. Proteins of interest can be easily labeled and detected on light-based detection instruments. Immunoassay kits allow you to identify a specific protein of interest and protein detection beads or antibody microarrays allow you to identify multiple specific proteins at once. Protein interactions and enzyme activity can also be monitored with protein-protein interaction assays. Additionally, the biophysical characterization of proteins is made easy with biokinetic analyzers. Find the best protein detection and quantification products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.VirusesViruses are microscopic pathogens that require a host cell to replicate. Understanding their structure, replication cycle, and impact on the immune system is crucial in developing effective treatments, vaccines, and diagnostic methods. Research continues to focus on emerging viral diseases and antiviral drug discovery. Explore solutions for virus research, detection, and treatment in our peer-reviewed product directory; compare products, check customer reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.NanoparticlesNanoparticles are between 1-100nm in size. Nanoparticles can be used for a wide variety of applications including biomedical, catalysis and electronics.
Analysis of virus particles by dynamic light scattering