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Department of Chemistry |
Analytical Spectroscopy Laboratory |
Circular Dichroism |
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Circular Dichroism has long been used in biochemistry for analysis of the conformations of proteins and DNA. In the case of proteins, for example, one can estimate the percentages of α helix, β sheet, and random coil secondary structures present. |
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CD measures the difference in the absorptivity for left vs. right circularly polarized light by chiral samples. Users usually record the spectrum at a specified temperature in quartz cells, which are inserted into the thermostatted holder. Sample temperatures can be controlled from -30C to +100C. CD values and complete CD spectra can be recorded vs. temperature, to observe thermal denaturations. CD values and spectra may also be recorded vs. time for kinetic data. A Hamilton 2 syringe titrator can easily titrate samples with denaturant, acids & bases, and solvent gradients. An Orion pH meter with a microelectrode can measure the pH during the titration. <Click here> for more details about this instrument and its capabilities. <Click here> for summaries of how to use the instrument. |
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