Analytical Ultracentrifuge
Optima A/I Analytical Ultracentrifuge, Beckman Coulter
An analytical ultracentrifuge consists of a specifically designed ultracentrifuge with integrated optical systems for real-time detection of biomolecules in solution under high centrifugal forces. The distribution of biomolecules in a cell is monitored over time to determine many thermodynamic and hydrodynamic properties. Two types of AUC experiments are typically performed: sedimentation velocity and sedimentation equilibrium experiments. In sedimentation velocity experiments, high speeds are used to pellet the biomolecule of interest. These experiments provide information on biomolecule size and shape. In sedimentation equilibrium experiments, the samples are spun at lower speeds until an equilibrium between centrifugal and diffusion forces is reached. These experiments provide information on the homogeneity of the sample, complex molecular weight, association constants, stoichiometry, and aggregation states.
Features
- Multi-wavelength absorbance optical system with a wavelength range of 190 – 800 nm. Multi-wavelength experiments enable analysis of hetergenous complexes.
- Rayleigh interference optical system to allow measurement of colorless and high concentration samples.
- Temperature control: 0°C – 40°C
- Experimental speeds of 3,000 - 60,000 RPM
- 4-position AN-60 rotor (60k RPM max speed) and 8-position AN-50 rotor (50k RPM max speed)
- Compatible with wide range of concentrations: ~5 – 1500 µg/mL
- Does not require labeling or immobilization
Applications
- Characterize biomolecular size and shape
- Analyze biomolecular complexes to determine molecular weight, association constants and stoichiometry
- Assess sample purity and homogeneity
- Characterization of wide range of particles including biomolecules, viral particles, nanoparticles, synthetic polymers, and carbohydrates
Publications
Publications resulting from use of the Optima A/I analytical ultracentrifuge must acknowledge NIH S10 basic instrumentation grant S10OD038334.
Example acknowledgement:
AUC analyses were performed at the Notre Dame Biophysics Instrumentation Core Facility with support of NIH grant S10OD038334
Internal Rates
- Sedimentation velocity: $325.00/run
- Sedimentation equilibrium: $189.00 for 1st day; $124.00/additional day
- Data analysis: $65.00/hr