Unit for analysis of macromolecules

The macromolecule analysis unit provides support to researchers in studying the properties of both biological and synthetic macromolecules in the solution. The unit enables monitoring of interactions with polarized light, determination of molecular mass of the macromolecules, molecular size, branching, conformation, visualization of fluorescence macromolecules and elemental analysis in the monitoring of interactions between macromolecules and metals. The unit provides beside expertise in sophisticated instrument operation also assistance in results interpretation.

Unit for analysis of macromolecules

Head: prof. dr. Pompe Matevž, Full Professor


Reseach equipments:

ICPMS

Equipment:
ICP/MS Perkin Elmer SCIEX-Elan DRC.

Person, responsible for the equipment:

dr. Mitja Kolar, Assistant Professor
+386 1 479 8694

Purpose of the equipment:
Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer - ICP/MS can be, in selected concentration range, used for the determination of practically all metals listed in the periodic table.

CD spectroscopy

Equipment:
System for absorption and emission CD spectroscopy.

Person, responsible for the equipment:
dr. San Hadži
+386 1 479 8588

Purpose of the equipment:
Monitoring (structural) characteristics of (bio)molecules in solution based on their interaction with polarized light.

GPC system

Equipment:
Multi-detector GPC system.
Liquid chromatography with the combination of UV, refractive index, light scattering and viscosity detectors.

Person, responsible for the equipment:
dr. Aleš Ručigaj

+386 1 479 8731

Purpose of the equipment:
Analytic system for molecular weights determination, molecular weight distribution, molecule size, conformation and branching. 

Fluorescence microscope

Equipment:
High performance fluorescence microscope for biological analysis of chemical compounds.

Head:
dr. Matevž Pompe, Associate Professor
+386 1 479 8554

Person, responsible for the equipment:
dr. Vera Župunski
+386 1 479 8541

Purpose of the equipment:
• Visualisation of fluorescent macromolecules or fluorescently labelled molecules, their localisation and co-localisation in the cells.
• Visualisation of unstained samples using DIC (Differential Interference Contrast).

Chromatographic system for biological macromolecules coupled to an advanced characterization system

Equipment:
Chromatographic system for biological macromolecules coupled to an advanced characterization system

Person, responsible for the equipment:
doc. dr. Miha Pavšič
+386 1 479 8550

Purpose of the equipment:
Equipment is composed of two main parts:
•    a chromatographic system, and
•    an advanced characterization system.

The chromatographic system is capable of high-resolution liquid chromatography of biological macromolecules at analytical and preparative scale using various separation techniques/mechanisms (affinity and ion exchange chromatography, size exclusion chromatography etc.). Detectors: UV – absorbance (280 nm), pH, conductivity, temperature.

Features of the characterization system:
•    pump with degasser,
•    temperature-controlled column chamber,
•    autosampler,
•    refractive index detector,
•    UV/Vis spectrometer,
•    detector for static light scattering at low/right angle (LALS/RALS),
•    viscometer.

Using the coupled detectors it is possible to determine the absolute molecular weight, distribution of molecular weights, intrinsic viscosity, concentration, plus hydrodynamic and gyration radius.
The detector part of the characterization system can be linked to the chromatographic system, however it can also be operated independently due to separate pump and column chamber.

Both systems are computer-controlled.

Laser system for characterisation of nanoparticles in solutions and suspensions LitesizerTM 500

Equipment:
Laser system for characterisation of  nanoparticles in solutions and suspensions LitesizerTM 500 

Person, responsible for the equipment:
Assoc. Prof. Matija Tomšič
+386 1 479 8515

System LitesizerTM 500 can be used to experimentally determine 6 parameters: size, electrophoretic mobility, zeta potential and molecular mass of the colloidal particles and the transmittance and refractive index of the sample solution. It is equipped with:

•    40 mW laser diode with operational wavelength of 658 nm,
•    thermostatic unit for the measurements at temperatures from 0 to 90 °C,
•    DLS module for measurements at scattering angles 15°, 90° and 175 ° on 
      the samples with minimal volume of 12 µL,
•    Electrophoretic light scattering module for the cmPALS measurements of the 
      zeta-potential (±600 mV) on the samples with minimal volume of 50 µL, 
      maximum electric conductivity of 200 mS cm-1, particle size from 3,8 nm to 
      100 µm and mobility from 10-11 m2 V-1 s-1 to 2 x 10-7 m2 V-1 s-1,
•    SLS module for measurements at 90° scattering angle on the samples with 
      minimal volume of 15 µL and particles up to 40 nm in diameter,  
•    transmission module for the samples with minimal volume of µL,
•    refractive-index module for light with wavelength of 658 nm for the 
      refractive-index range from 1.28 to 1.5,
•    flow-through module for measurements during the automatic titration.

Ultra high resolution liquid chromatograph with tandem mass spectrometry

Equipment:
Ultra high resolution liquid chromatograph with tandem mass spectrometry

Responsible person:
prof. dr. Matevž Pompe
matevz.pompe(at)fkkt.uni-lj.si 
01/479 8554

Purpose of the equipment:

Determination and identification of organic constituents

System for isothermal titration calorimetry

Equipment: System for isothermal titration calorimetry

 

Person, responsible for the equipment: doc. dr. San Hadži; 01 479 8588

 

Purpose of the equipment: Monitoring thermal effects upon the binding of (macro)molecules in solution

 

Equipment availability: By arrangement with the person responsible for the equipment:

 

Service: The interested user should contact the person responsible for the equipment. The cost of the measurements depends on the type of sample, the complexity of the experiments, and the interpretation of the data. Information about the price can be obtained from the administrator when arranging the experiments.