Comparing Data Quality & Optical Resolution of the Next Generation Optima AUC to the Proven ProteomeLab on a Model Protein System

AUC provides a matrix-free environment that allows the near-native state characterization of a wide range of molecules. Our recently launched Optima AUC is the only commercially available instrument equipped with a state of the art optical system. Here, the new Optima AUC was compared to the ProteomeLab and tested to demonstrate higher resolution, accuracy, better data fitting and precision at a higher signal to noise ratio. The new Optima AUC stretches the scope of solutions provided by AUC and provides the user with well-determined macromolecular sedimentation parameters. The methods outlined here highlight the advantages of the Beckman Coulter Optima AUC for characterizing protein in varying concentrations. Introduction Since its invention in the 1920s, analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC) has been a powerful tool in the study of macromolecules in solution leading to impactful scientific discoveries1. AUC provides a matrix-free environment that allows the near-native characterization of proteins1, extracellular vesicles2, nucleic acids3, colloids4, and nanoparticles5. The Beckman Coulter ProteomeLab XL-A/I AUC instruments are capable of measuring sample parameters by monitoring Raleigh interference and UV/Vis absorbance one at a time in a single experiment. Our recently launched Optima AUC possesses an improved optical system (Table 1) that positions the field to advance in the development of new applications and the study of complex systems (Figure 1). Our new instrumentation makes the Optima AUC a powerful tool to study samples with high precision, resolution and accuracy. OPTICAL SYSTEMS PROTEOMELAB XL-A/XL-I OPTIMA AUC FASTEST DATA ACQUISITION RATE ABS: 90 sec/cell INT: 5 sec/scan ABS: <20 sec/cell INT: <5 sec/scan MAX# OF WAVELENGTHS 3 20 WAVELENGTH PRECISION +/3 nm +/0.5 nm LOWEST RADIAL RESOLUTION 30 μm 10 μm ABSORBANCE FLASH LAMP FREQUENCY 50 Hz 300 Hz CCD CAMERA SPECIFICATIONS 2048 x 96 pixels 2048 x 1088 pixels INTERFERENCE FRINGES ≥ 4 fringes/cell ≥ 10 fringes/cell USABLE CONCENTRATION RANGES ABS: .005 1.5 mg/mL INT: .025 3-4 mg/mL ABS: .005 ~1-2 mg/mL Luteinizing Hormone INT: .025 ~4-5 mg/mL BSA** Table 1. Comparison of specifications of Optima AUC and ProteomeLab Comparing Data Quality & Optical Resolution of the Next Generation Optima AUC to the Proven ProteomeLab on a Model Protein System APPLICATION NOTE