Analytical Ultracentrifuge (Beckman Coulter Optima XL-I)

The analytical ultracentrifuge housed in the Facility measures solute concentration distributions in sample solutions while they are subject to high (up to 60,000 rpm) centrifugal forces. This permits characterization of thermodynamic and hydrodynamic properties of macromolecules and their interactions, such as concentration, homogeneity, sedimentation coefficient, diffusion coefficient, and buoyant density. Other parameters such as solvation, association/dissociation constants, ligand binding, and stoichiometry may also be determined. The instrument is equipped with absorbance/Rayleigh interference optics. These methods are complimentary ways to determine concentration distributions. Absorbance provides sensitive, selective solute detection. In the event that solutes do not absorb significantly (or when solvents do), refractive detection provides better results. The Beckman Coulter Optima XL-I provides a temperature range from 0° - 40° C with a selectable wavelength in the 190 – 800 nm range.

Links: UltraScan Software | The National Analytical Ultracentrifugation Facility | RASMB Reversible Associations in Structural and Molecular Biology | Analytical Ultracentrifugation