Testa Analytical has released a differential refractometer that promises to significantly improve the accuracy of molecular weight determination in biopolymers and polymers. The instrument, designed specifically as an accessory for light scattering equipment, addresses one of the fundamental challenges in molecular characterisation: obtaining precise specific refractive index increment (dn/dc) values.

Technical foundations of the advancement

The differential refractometer operates on principles refined through decades of experience with Gel Permeation Chroma-tography (GPC) and light scattering techniques. Its primary innovation lies in the ability to determine dn/dc values with exceptional accuracy in minutes rather than hours, offering considerable time savings for laboratory professionals.

A critical design feature is the instrument’s wavelength adaptability, which enables precise matching with the operating wavelength of various light scattering instrument lasers. This compatibility ensures consistent and reproducible results across different experimental setups and conditions.

Practical laboratory advantages

The system offers remarkable versatility in laboratory settings, functioning without solvent limitations and across a wide temperature range. This flexibility makes it particularly valuable for clinical and research environments where diverse sample types must be analysed under varying conditions.

Sample integrity is preserved through a design that allows complete recovery of measured samples without dilution or contamination.
This feature provides a significant workflow advantage, as samples used for dn/dc determination can subsequently be used directly for light scattering analysis, eliminating potential sources of error in sample preparation.

Integration and operation

Laboratory professionals will appreciate the intuitive Windows-based software interface that not only facilitates dn/dc determination but also provides additional functionality for determining accurate sample concentration when dn/dc values are known.

For molecular weight characterisation of biopolymers – including proteins, nucleic acids, and polysaccharides – this instrument represents a meaningful advance in precision and efficiency, potentially improving downstream research and clinical applications that depend on accurate structural analysis.

For further information, visit https://testa-analytical.com/differential-refractometer.html
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