Experimental procedures¶
Sample Preparation: - Use high-purity solvents and buffers to minimize contamination. - Filter samples using 0.22 µm or smaller filters to remove dust and aggregates. - Degas samples to remove air bubbles that can interfere with light scattering measurements.
Instrument Calibration: - Calibrate the DLS instrument using standard particles of known size (e.g., polystyrene latex beads) to ensure accurate measurements. - Perform calibration regularly to account for any drifts or changes in instrument performance.
Measurement Protocols: - Maintain a consistent temperature using a temperature-controlled sample holder or water bath. - Measure samples at different concentrations to ensure reliable data, avoiding concentrations too high to prevent multiple scattering effects. - Perform multiple repetitions to obtain average values and assess measurement repeatability.
Troubleshooting Common Issues: - Addressing problems like multiple scattering (reduce sample concentration), dust contamination (filter samples), and sample instability (ensure proper dispersion and no aggregation).