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Tetra Detector Array
A revolutionary, integrated multiple-detector device designed for the characterization of natural and synthetic polymers and copolymers, proteins, protein conjugates, excipients and other macromolecules. Comprised of modular Refractive Index, Ultra-Violet, Low Angle Light Scattering and Viscometer detectors.
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Product Brochures
Download product information from our extensive catalog of product literature.
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Nanoparticle and Protein Sizing
Viscotek is proud to introduce its range of Dynamic Light Scattering Detectors featuring rapid, accurate and sensitive sizing for proteins, biomolecules, nanoparticles & polymers and a pair of outstanding technologies unique to Viscotek.
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Theory
Viscotek specializes in Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC), Flow Injection Polymer Analysis (FIPA), Dilute Solution Viscosity (DSV) and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) technologies for macromolecular characterization. As a group, these solution techniques provide a wealth of information on physical properties and critical insight on macromolecular structure and behavior.
For a more detailed treatment of GPC, DSV and DLS theory,
please access the navigation to the left.
Gel Permeation Chromatography
Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC), also known
as Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC), is a chromatographic technique that employs
specialized columns to separate
natural and synthetic polymers, biopolymers and
nanoparticles on the basis of size.
 As the sample is separated and elutes from the
GPC column, it can be characterized by a single concentration detector (Conventional Calibration)
or series of detectors (Universal Calibration and
Triple Detection).
When the GPC separation is coupled with advanced
detectors such as light scattering,
viscometer and concentration detectors, it will
provide a distribution of absolute molecular weight, molecular size, and intrinsic
viscosity as well as information on macromolecular structure,
conformation aggregation
and branching.
Flow Injection Polymer Analysis
Flow Injection Polymer Analysis
(FIPA) is also
a chromatographic technique that separates
natural and synthetic polymers, biopolymers
and nanoparticles on the basis of size. It employs the same advanced detectors and
hardware as GPC but provides an average molecular weight, size and intrinsic viscosity
as opposed to a distribution of these properties.
In FIPA, the polymeric materials
of interest are separated from the low molecular weight constituents in the sample
and by the FIPA column and then analyzed in a batch-like mode.
The simplified separation
scheme in FIPA allows for a fast, accurate and precise measurement of the macromolecule’s
physical characteristics.
Dilute Solution Viscometry
Dilute Solution Viscosity (DSV) is a measurement
of the relative viscosity of a macromolecule or
 polymeric material in solution.
It is termed relative since it is a ratio of the viscosity of the sample versus
the viscosity of the solvent. Once the relative viscosity is known, the inherent,
intrinsic, reduced and absolute viscosity can be calculated.
The Viscotek relative viscometer is unique because its proprietary technology provides the viscosity of
the solvent and the sample simultaneously, eliminating many of the common concerns
and sources of error found in capillary glass tube determinations.
Dynamic Light Scattering
Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) is a batch technique
that provides a direct measurement of molecular size or hydrodynamic radius (Rh),
as well as information on polydispersity and molecular weight.
Static light scattering
detectors measure the average intensity of light scattered by macromolecules in
solution; Dynamic Light Scattering detectors, on the other hand, measure the intensity
fluctuations in the scattered light due to Brownian Motion and do not require prior
knowledge of concentration or dn/dc.
 Requiring very little sample, DLS
is a quick, easy and accurate method for determining molecular size and is frequently
employed as a quick screening technique for protein aggregation.
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