The ground-breaking sensitivity of Malvern Panalytical’ new OMNISEC gel permeation chromatography/size exclusion chromatography system generated significant excitement from scientists meeting at the Seventh International Symposium on the Separation and Characterization of Natural and Synthetic Macromolecules (SCM-7), when the system made a well-received debut late in January.
The new OMNISEC GPC/SEC system from Malvern Panalytical
“Delegates were particularly enthusiastic about OMNISEC’s sensitivity,” said Paul Clarke, Industrial Portfolio Manager at Malvern Panalytical. “Announcing ‘the most sensitive light scattering detector on the market’ is one thing but seeing what that actually means in practice is another. Demonstrations of the system measuring the molecular weight (MW) of a 100,000 Da Polystyrene standard with just a 100 ng of sample made a big impression and showed clearly how the light scattering detector could deliver real value in routine testing.”
GPC/SEC is primarily used to measure the MW, MW distribution and structural characteristics of proteins, polymers and other macromolecules. OMNISEC REVEAL, the detector module of the new system, includes refractive index, light scattering and viscometer detectors to maximize the informational productivity of each GPC/SEC analysis. The light scattering detector measures absolute MW down to around 200 Da, with no requirement for calibration. These data can be used in combination with viscosity parameters generated by the viscometer to quantify structural characteristics such as extent of branching.
“The self-balancing feature of the viscometer was also a major talking point,” continued Paul Clarke. “And again this goes back to sensitivity. Self-balancing ahead of every measurement results in more accurate viscosity data which in turn enables the more secure and sensitive characterization of the structural characteristics of a sample.”
Ease of use features also proved to be a highlight. The new system offers precise temperature control from autosampling through detection, to protect sensitive materials such as proteins throughout the analysis, and enable efficient measurement with more viscous solvents. Users also appreciated the self-priming pump and user-exchangeable viscometer capillary module which significantly improve ease of use.
“Our aim with OMNISEC was to introduce a new system that answers closely to evolving requirements for GPC/SEC,” said Paul Clarke. “It is very encouraging to receive early feedback that suggests that the new system will make a major contribution to the value of the technique for macromolecular researchers – whether by providing more informative data, or by easing the burden of routine analysis.”
Malvern Panalytical, Malvern Panalytical, OMNISEC are registered trademarks of Malvern Panalytical
About Malvern Panalytical
Malvern Panalytical provides the materials and biophysical characterization technology and expertise that enables scientists and engineers to understand and control the properties of dispersed systems. These systems range from proteins and polymers in solution, particle and nanoparticle suspensions and emulsions, through to sprays and aerosols, industrial bulk powders and high concentration slurries. Used at all stages of research, development and manufacturing, Malvern Panalytical’s materials characterization instruments provide critical information that helps accelerate research and product development, enhance and maintain product quality and optimize process efficiency.
Our products reflect Malvern Panalytical’s drive to exploit the latest technological innovations and our commitment to maximizing the potential of established techniques. They are used by both industry and academia, in sectors ranging from pharmaceuticals and biopharmaceuticals to bulk chemicals, cement, plastics and polymers, energy and the environment.
Malvern Panalytical systems are used to measure particle size, particle shape, zeta potential, protein charge, molecular weight, mass, size and conformation, rheological properties and for chemical identification, advancing the understanding of dispersed systems across many different industries and applications.
Headquartered in Malvern Panalytical, UK, Malvern Panalytical has subsidiary organizations in all major European markets, North America, China, Japan and Korea, a joint venture in India, a global distributor network and applications laboratories around the world. www.malvern.com