Static Light Scattering (SLS)

There are two ways to measure absolute molecular weight by static light scattering:

1. Batch measurement using a cuvette
2. In combination with a chromatography instrument.

Batch measurement with cuvette based instruments, such as the Zetasizer series, is an ensemble technique. Therefore the result calculated is the weight average molecular weight of the entire sample measured.

However, the most common way of measuring absolute molecular weight is to add an SLS detector e.g. Low Angle Light Scattering (LALS), Right Angle Light Scattering (RALS) or Multi Angle Light Scattering (MALS) to a GPC/SEC system. By combining SLS with the separation technique you can calculate the absolute molecular weight at any point in the eluting chromatogram and determining the molecular weight of any population in a mixed sample becomes possible.

Static light scattering (SLS) is a powerful technique used in a wide range of applications across various industries. By analyzing the scattering of light from a sample, SLS provides valuable insights into the size, shape, and molecular weight of particles or molecules in solution. 

Some key applications of static light scattering include:

SLS is extensively used in the biopharmaceutical industry for protein characterization.

Measurements include determining the size and oligomeric state of proteins, measuring protein aggregation, and assessing protein stability. 

In polymer science, SLS is employed to study polymer structure, molecular weight distribution, and conformation in solution. 

This information is crucial for understanding polymer properties and behavior in various applications, such as in the development of new materials or in quality control processes. 

Static light scattering is instrumental in the characterization of nanoparticles and colloidal systems. 

It provides accurate size distribution data, enabling researchers to optimize nanoparticle synthesis, understand particle stability, and evaluate nanoparticle interactions. 

SLS is employed in pharmaceutical research and development for the analysis of drug formulations.

Key analyses include measuring particle size, detecting aggregates, and assessing the stability of drug formulations over time. 

SLS is also utilized in environmental science and chemical analysis for studying colloidal systems.

It is used for determining molecular weights of macromolecules, and investigating the self-assembly of molecules in solution. 

Malvern Panalytical offers state-of-the-art static light scattering instruments designed to meet the diverse needs of researchers and scientists in various industries. Our instruments are renowned for their accuracy, reliability, and user-friendly features. 

Two of our flagship SLS instruments are the Zetasizer Advance and OMNISEC system.

Zetasizer Advance 

The Zetasizer Advance is a versatile instrument that combines dynamic and static light scattering techniques with electrophoretic light scattering  (ELS) for comprehensive particle and molecular characterization. With advanced optics and software capabilities, the Zetasizer Advance provides precise measurements of particle size, molecular weight, and zeta potential, making it ideal for a wide range of applications, including protein characterization, nanoparticle analysis, and formulation development.

OMNISEC 

The OMNISEC system is specifically designed for the analysis of macromolecules, polymers, and proteins by size exclusion chromatography  (SEC) coupled with static light scattering detection. It offers high-resolution separation with accurate molecular weight determination, enabling researchers to obtain detailed insights into the molecular structure, oligomeric state, and aggregation behavior of biomolecules and polymers.

With their advanced features, intuitive software, and robust performance, the Zetasizer Advance and OMNISEC instruments are trusted by researchers worldwide for their SLS analysis needs.