Technical data demonstrate the utility of 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, says Viscotek Europe.
Consequently the technique is of considerable importance to scientists looking to make routine direct determination of absolute molecular weights of large biomolecules and polymers.
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 to obtain absolute molecular weights directly.
The Lals detector measures scattered light at 7deg, close enough to zero that the measurement is direct with no need to extrapolate or calculate as in all other GPC-light scattering techniques.
This is extremely important when studying large biomolecules such as polysaccharides, where the traditional extrapolation using other light scattering instruments 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.
The paper is precisely illustrated with examples and proved with mathematical theory. Application papers are also available.
