Malvern Presents 'An Introduction to Proteins in 30 Minutes'


23 July 2009: Malvern, UK: As part of the company's continued support within the field, Malvern Instruments has published a comprehensive, highly accessible technical note introducing readers to the basics of protein chemistry. The document, 'An Introduction to Proteins in 30 minutes' is now available to download from Malvern's website. www.malvern.com/malvern/kbase.nsf/allbyno/KB001928/$file/MRK1198-02.pdf

Covering protein composition and structure, the paper also includes measurement and characterization techniques. As an instrument manufacturer, Malvern has extensive experience in how size, molecular weight and zeta potential measurements can aid both manufacturers and researchers working with proteins.

While Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) is a relatively recent technique in the field of proteins, the lessons learned from materials science and other fields are helpful to protein chemists. Malvern's Zetasizer software, for example, has a model to predict a protein's molecular weight from hydrodynamic size measurements. Size measurements can also be used as a predictor of structural activity. In conditions of extreme temperature and pH a protein will become denatured. By measuring hydrodynamic radius using DLS, this behaviour can be understood and controlled, enabling establishment of the protein's melting point, for example.

Other techniques, such as Static Light Scattering (SLS), Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC) and the measurement of zeta potential as an indication of surface charge are also covered by Malvern's new technical note. A highly useful introduction for newcomers into the fields of biochemistry, molecular biology and pharmacology, Malvern also anticipates that the download will be a useful tool to highlight the benefits of characterization instrumentation among protein chemistry experts. www.malvern.com/malvern/kbase.nsf/allbyno/KB001928/$file/MRK1198-02.pdf

High resolution image attached or available from Trish Appleton, Kapler Communications trish@kapleronline.com Ref: MAL/JOB/1789

About Malvern Instruments

Malvern Instruments provides a range of complementary materials characterization tools that deliver inter-related measurements reflecting the complexities of particulates and disperse systems, nanomaterials and macromolecules. Analytical instruments from Malvern are used in the characterization of a wide variety of materials, from industrial bulk powders to nanomaterials and delicate macromolecules. A broad portfolio of innovative technologies is combined with intelligent, user-friendly software. These systems deliver industrially relevant data enabling our customers to make the connection between micro (such as particle size) and macro (bulk) material properties (rheology) and chemical composition (chemical imaging).

Particle size, particle shape, zeta potential, molecular weight, chemical composition and rheological properties measurements are now joined by advanced chromatography solutions (GPC/SEC), extending Malvern's technologies for protein molecular weight, size and aggregation measurements, and synthetic polymer molecular weight and distribution. The company's laboratory, at-line, on-line and in-line solutions are proven in sectors as diverse as cement production and pharmaceutical drug discovery.

Headquartered in Malvern, UK, Malvern Instruments has subsidiary organizations in all major European markets, North America, China, Korea and Japan, a joint venture in India, a global distributor network and applications laboratories around the world. www.malvern.com

For press information, please contact:

Trish Appleton,

Kapler Communications

Knowledge Centre,

Wyboston Lakes, Great North Road,

Wyboston, Bedfordshire, MK44 3BY, UK

Tel: +44 (0)1480 479280

Fax: +44 (0)1480 470343

trish@kapleronline.com

USA contact:

Marisa Fraser,

Malvern Instruments Inc.

117 Flanders Road,

Westborough, MA 01581-1042

USA

Tel: +1 508 768 6400

Fax: +1 508 768 6403

marisa.fraser@malvern.com

Please send sales enquiries to:

Alison Vines,

Malvern Instruments Ltd

Enigma Business Park,

Grovewood Road, Malvern,

Worcestershire WR14 1XZ UK

Tel: +44 (0) 1684 892456

Fax: +44 (0) 1684 892789

salesinfo@malvern.com

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