Beckman Coulter has installed updated centrepieces in its XL-A and XL-I analytical ultracentrifuges.
This will allow the systems to provide precise, repeatable measurement of sample aggregation in pharmaceutical research and formulation laboratories.
Enhancements to the carbon epon (epoxy) and aluminium epon centrepieces improve the systems' protein aggregation measuring capability by increasing accuracy from test to test.
The XL-A/XL-I analytical ultracentrifuges (AUCs) provide an ideal system for drug discovery and vaccine development processes by characterising a protein's behaviour in free solution under physiological concentrations, temperatures and buffer conditions.
The AUCs feature an operating system that does not require calibration or the use of standards, allowing measurements of proteins and other macromolecules to be characterised as interacting - not isolated - elements.
A yes/no answer function provides quick, top-level answers to questions of aggregation, interacting/self-associating systems, stoichiometry and molecular conformation.
The XL-A, with absorbance optics, provides the selectivity and sensitivity to measure protein behaviour at wavelengths from 190-800nm.
The XL-I adds Rayleigh interference optics, which allow the use of UV-absorbing buffers, providing the ability to study highly concentrated samples.
The carbon epon centrepiece is chemically inert and compatible with a variety of proteins and macromolecules.
The aluminium epon centrepiece is an alternative for low-concentration solutions, because it will not bind samples.
Both units can be used at speeds of up to 60,000rev/min, and feature a long, two-channel pathlength that enables more data points to be collected before samples pellet, improving accuracy.
