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Homogeneity studies of Ferritin by Dynamic light scattering (DLS) (CAT#: STEM-MB-0534-WXH)

Introduction

Ferritin is a universal intracellular protein that stores iron and releases it in a controlled fashion. The protein is produced by almost all living organisms, including archaea, bacteria, algae, higher plants, and animals. It is the primary intracellular iron-storage protein in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes, keeping iron in a soluble and non-toxic form. In humans, it acts as a buffer against iron deficiency and iron overload.<br />Homogeneity is one of the most basic and important protein properties in general life science and biopharmaceutical applications. In an ideal study, the protein of interest would exist throughout the sample in a consistent form and size to ensure optimal purity for accurate characterization.




Principle

Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) is an established and precise measurement technique for characterizing particle sizes in suspensions and emulsions. It is based on the Brownian motion of particles - this states that smaller particles move faster, while larger ones move slower in a liquid. The light scattered by particles contains information on the diffusion speed and thus on the size distribution.
The Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) technique measures motion optically by recording the scattered light signal at a fixed angle. The particles are illuminated with a monochromatic, coherent light source (laser) and the light scattered by the particles is recorded.

Applications

DLS is used to characterize the size of various particles including proteins, polymers, micelles, Protein cages and virus-like particles, vesicles, carbohydrates, nanoparticles, biological cells, and gels.

Procedure

1. Sample preparation
2. Measurement by DLS instrument
3. Data analysis

Materials

• Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) instruments (Photon Correlation Spectroscopy or Quasi-Elastic Light Scattering instruments)
• Dynamic Light Scattering Detector