Analytical ultracentrifugation

Analytical ultracentrifugation

Analytical ultracentrifugation

The analytical ultracentrifuge (AUC) is still one of the most versatile, rigorous and accurate means for determining the molecular weight and the hydrodynamic and thermodynamic properties of a protein or other macromolecule.

In an analytical ultracentrifuge, a sample can be monitored in real time through an optical detection system. This allows the operator to observe the evolution of the sample concentration versus the axis of rotation profile as a result of the applied centrifugal field. Two experiments are commonly performed on these instruments: sedimentation velocity experiments and sedimentation equilibrium experiments.

It can determine different parameters about the sample as: the number of components and species; molar mass of each species; distribution of s; stoichiometry of reactions, including association; equilibrium and dissociation constants; and shape and charge of molecules. Our equipment is a BeckmanCoulter OptimaTM XL-A ultracentrifuge.