Key protein features in the Zetasizer software

The Zetasizer has some optional advanced protein features that you may not be aware of:

DLS Debye Plot: a dynamic Debye plot of the measured hydrodynamic size as a function of sample concentration to obtain the dynamic Virial coefficient (also known as kd, or interparticle interaction parameter)

Mixture Viscosity: estimates the viscosity of a mixture of dispersants of known viscosity, using the assumption that the total viscosity is a volume fraction weighted sum of the component viscosities. The mean viscosity is based on the volume fraction and the individual viscosities of the component solvents.
It should be noted that some combinations of solvents do not have a predictable viscosity so this tool can only be used as an estimate (e.g. ethanol/water). This is also relevant for non protein features applications.

Interparticle / Intermolecule Distance: calculates the estimated separation distance between protein molecules in a solution and the estimated electrostatic screening distance for monovalent electrolytes. The intended use of this calculator is to assess the difference between the Debye length and the separation distance between the particles. The conclusion that can be drawn is that if the Debye length is longer than the separation distance, then the molecules’ electrostatic fields will be overlapping and therefore interacting.

Protein Charge & f(κa): calculates Protein Charge and f(κa) in the Henry equation from known size and ionic strength, using the Ohshima equation, for monovalent salts.

Virial Diameter: calculates an apparent size, also known as the “thermodynamic diameter”, based on molecular weight and the 2nd virial coefficient.

Oligomer Ratios: calculates the % Intensity, Mass, and Number contributions of the monomer and dimer components within an unresolved intensity weighted DLS peak, where the mode is in between the known sizes of the monomer & dimer. estimates the level of protein monomer and dimer in a single intensity peak. The known sizes of the monomer and dimer are input along with the intensity-weighted modal peak size. The calculator estimates the proportions of monomer and dimer, which could account for the measured size.

Protein Mobility Measurement Mode: this consists of a special measurement mode, enabling electrophoretic measurements from proteins are enabled with special field settings and data selection.

How to try out the advanced protein features

If you want to trial these features, go to Tools – Options – Feature Keys – select Advanced Protein Features from the pulldown menu and press OK (acknowledging the suggested free trial key indicated on the screen, it will be active for 30 days from the activation date). A detailed description of these calculators and what they are based on is provided in MRK1858 Introduction to the calculators in the Zetasizer software, with literature references, and some guidance including software screen shots were presented in an earlier webex titled “Use of the unique Zetasizer protein utilities“.

How to check for feature keys

There are several feature keys and here are two possibilities to list a summary of the state of all keys that are currently installed on your computer:

• In the Zetasizer software go to Tools – Options – Feature Keys – Feature Keys Summary or
• Double-click on the “Features” symbol in the bottom right corner of the Zetasizer software

This will open a window with a summary of the currently installed feature licenses. It may for example list ‘Advanced Protein Features: None’ when the special protein features are not present in the software.

Previously

• On the origin of persistent nanoparticles in sugar solutions
• Tips and Tricks for Nanoparticle Characterization
• Which size is right: intensity volume number distributions

If you have any questions, please email me at ulf.nobbmann@malvern.com. Thanks! While opinions expressed are generally those of the author, some parts may have been modified by our editorial team.

Editor update note: If you want to install just the calculator tools for protein features, there is a video step-by-step guide for viewing or for download as mp4.