New low-volume disposable cuvette extends protein analysis capabilities of the Zetasizer^® Nano

A new low volume disposable polystyrene cuvette for the Malvern^® Zetasizer Nano S and ZS particle characterization systems enables the size measurement of as little as 40 microlitres of sample. This is less than half the volume possible with previous disposable cuvettes and is thought to be the lowest volume disposable cuvette available for any dynamic light scattering system. Such low volume capabilities are especially important when analyzing biological materials where it is often necessary to use the smallest amount of material possible. The use of disposable systems offers both convenience and freedom from any risks of cross-contamination.

The new cuvettes, supplied with caps for a firm seal, are suitable for use in the analysis of aqueous samples such as proteins in solution, for which the Zetasizer Nano has become the system of choice. The cuvettes are also compatible with a range of alcohols, ketones, DMF and ethyl acetate. Samples can be stored in the freezer at -20ºC, and measurements made at up to 70°C, for the determination of protein melting point. For those instances where analysis of even smaller volumes is required, reusable cuvettes for the Zetasizer Nano as small as 12 microlitres are available.

Malvern’s Zetasizer Nano is the most widely used light scattering system for the size measurement of particles and molecules in solution. Designed to meet the low sample volume and high sensitivity requirements essential for protein characterization, it is easy to use and measures molecules as small as 0.3 nm hydrodynamic radius. Established applications include protein size and molecular weight measurement, screening for protein crystallization conditions, determining aggregates and measuring melting points. Furthermore, size trends as a function of pH or additive concentration, for example, can be automated by coupling it to the MPT-2 autotitrator.