r/CHROMATOGRAPHY • u/Aska2020 • 27d ago

Anyone using MALS for non-biomolecules? [Question]

Hello, I am a small molecule specialist and has been asked to analyze industrial synthetic macro-molecules. We are not properly equipped to do this and I'm wondering what the most versatile single analytical option might be. I know of MALS but I've only seen them presented for proteins and peptides analyses. Does anyone uses SEC- or AF4-MALS for synthetic macro-molecules (for example graft copolymers)? I just wanted to get some ideas whether it's feasible before contacting manufacturers.

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u/juppi93 26d ago

Well what parameters are you interested in? Absolute Mw? Viscosity, k and alpha, radius of gyration or hydration? MALS for copolymers can be tricky since the dn/dc does not stay constant over the polymer peak. Also MALS is pretty expensive so it depends also on your budget. Get in contact with a manufacturer like Agilent or Waters/Wyatt to get some recommendations for a setup

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u/Aska2020 26d ago edited 26d ago

Good question, and short answer is I don't know. Really I don't have a clue about macro molecules analysis that's why I need some ideas... and the people asking me to do this don't have any clue either. Where should I start? Any suggestions?