Analytical Ultracentrifugation (AUC)

Analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC) is used to determine the sizes, molar masses and state of aggregation of nanomaterials in the range of 1 - 600 nm by using hydrodynamic theory. Because it relies on the principle property of mass and the fundamental laws of gravitation, AUC has broad applicability and can be used to analyze the solution behavior of a variety of molecules in a wide range of solvents and over a wide range of solute concentrations. Due to the presence of multiple detectors, AUC does not (necessarily) require particles to be labeled. In contrast to many commonly-used methods, during AUC samples are characterized in their native state under biologically-relevant solution conditions. Because the experiments are performed in free solution, there are no complications due to interactions with matrices or surfaces. Because it is nondestructive, samples may be recovered for further tests following AUC. For many questions, there is no satisfactory substitute method of analysis.

This content has been updated on 16 May 2022 at 16 h 17 min.