Unlocking the secrets of large biomolecules

Viscotek has technical data demonstrating the utility of its Low Angle Light Scattering (LALS) detector in directly measuring the molecular weight of large molecules such as polysaccharides.

Unlike multi-angle light scattering techniques that can only determine molecular weight by extrapolation, the LALS technique measures molecular weight directly and thus is inherently more accurate. The technique is therefore of considerable importance to scientists looking to make routine direct determination of absolute molecular weights of large biomolecules and polymers.

The LALS detector measures scattered light at 7°, close enough to zero that the measurement is direct with no need to extrapolate or calculate as with other GPC-Light Scattering techniques.

This is extremely important when studying large biomolecules such as polysaccharides, where the traditional extrapolation method gives large data errors. A technical paper is available providing an unbiased introduction to the theory of light scattering detection and why low angle light scattering measurement is important.

Viscotek's LALS is available as a complete multi-detector (LALS/ Viscometer/ UV/RI) system or as a stand-alone detector that can be coupled to any GPC/SEC system.