Gelation Studies: Comparison of the Critical Exponents Obtained by Dynamic Light Scattering and Rheology, 2

Summary: The sol–gel transition of two thermoreversible gelling mixtures made of xanthan gum and locust‐bean gum has been studied by using in situ, time‐resolved dynamic light scattering (DLS) and in situ rheology. A critical dynamical behavior was observed near the sol–gel transition, which was characterized by the presence of power‐law spectra over three and four decades in the time‐intensity correlation function g₂(t) − 1 ∼ t^−μ and over four and three decades in the oscillatory shear experiment G′(ω) ∼ G″(ω) ∼ ωⁿ. A comparison of the critical exponents obtained (μ₁ ≈ 0.36, μ₂ ≈ 0.32 and n₁ ≈ 0.62, n₂ ≈ 0.67) was made as a function of the dependence of the two mixing ratios according to the theory by Doi and Onuki. New experiments were also performed to compare the critical exponents on such a thermoreversible system.

Double‐logarithmic plot of the time‐intensity correlation functions g₂(t) − 1 versus the delay time, t, at a 90° scattering angle and at several temperatures of the mixture 1.     

Comparison of Critical Exponents Determined by Rheology and Dynamic Light Scattering on Irreversible and Reversible Gelling Systems

Summary: The sol-gel transition of a radical chain cross-linking copoly-merization system [N-vinylcaprolactam/2-hydroxylethyl methacrylate/allyl-methacrylate] and various thermoreversible gelling systems (mixtures made of xanthan gum and locust bean gum as well as gelatin) have been studied using in-situ time-resolved dynamic light scattering (DLS) and in-situ rheology. A critical dynamical behavior was observed near the sol-gel transition, which is characterized by the presence of a power-law spectra in the time-intensity correlation function g₂(t)−1 ∝ t^−µ and in the low-amplitude oscillatory shear experiment G′(ω) ∝ G″(ω) ∝ ωⁿ. A comparison of the obtained critical dynamical exponents µ and n were made according to the theory by Doi and Onuki. This theory predicts a relation between these exponents, but up to now no detailed experimental comparison was done in the past. It was found that for all investigated systems n > µ.     

水＋3-甲基吡啶＋溴化钠三元溶液动-静态光散射临界行为研究

对水＋3-甲基吡啶＋溴化钠三元电解质溶液的临界跨接行为的认识存在着争议. 部分研究认为由于三甲基吡啶的聚集, 体系存在从非经典的3D-Ising(三维伊辛)行为向经典的平均场行为的非单调跨接; 另一部分研究发现该体系符合3D-Ising临界行为, 并不存在跨接. 采用动-静态光散射研究了溴化钠, 3-甲基吡啶和水三元溶液的临界性质, 得到动态关联长度和静态关联长度, 发现动态关联长度和静态关联长度一致, 且在实验温度范围内(离临界温度0.01～25 K), 体系不违背3D-Ising行为, 也观测不到显著的临界跨接现象.     

Investigation of Gelling Aqueous Clay Dispersions with Dynamic Light Scattering

Summary: The gelation process of aqueous clay (Laponite XLS, XLG) dispersions and of a photopolymerization system (N-isopropylacrylamide, Irgacure 2959, Laponite XLS) have been investigated by dynamic light scattering. The gelation threshold could be clearly indicated by a change in the shape of the time-intensity correlation function.     

Dynamic Light Scattering and NMR Studies of Napin

We analyze the structure of napin (BngNAP1), a storage protein (m.w. 14.5 kDa) from Brassica napus. On the basis of the results of ¹H NMR spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering (DLS) studies, the overall shape and secondary structure of the molecule are estimated.     

Dynamic Light Scattering Based Microelectrophoresis: Main Prospects and Limitations

Microelectrophoresis based on the dynamic light scattering (DLS) effect has been a major tool for assessing and controlling the conditions for stability of colloidal systems. However, both the DLS methods for characterization of the hydrodynamic size of dispersed submicron particles and the theory behind the electrokinetic phenomena are associated with fundamental and practical approximations that limit their sensitivity and information output. Some of these fundamental limitations, including the spherical approximation of DLS measurements and an inability of microelectrophoretic analyses of colloidal systems to detect discrete charges and differ between differently charged particle surfaces due to rotational diffusion and particle orientation averaging, are revisited in this work. Along with that, the main prospects of these two analytical methods are mentioned. A detailed review of the role of zeta potential in processes of biochemical nature is given too. It is argued that although zeta potential has been used as one of the main parameters in controlling the stability of colloidal dispersions, its application potentials are much broader. Manipulating surface charges of interacting species in designing complex soft matter morphologies using the concept of zeta potential, intensively investigated recently, is given as one of the examples. Branching out from the field of colloid chemistry, DLS and zeta potential analyses are now increasingly finding application in drug delivery, biotechnologies, physical chemistry of nanoscale phenomena and other research fields that stand on the frontier of the contemporary science. Coupling the DLS-based microelectrophoretic systems with complementary characterization methods is mentioned as one of the prosperous paths for increasing the information output of these two analytical techniques.     

苯乙烯本体聚合反应的动态光散射研究

首次用动态光散射方法跟踪了苯乙烯本体聚合全过程的光子丁关光谱，研究了散射哟度、聚合物平移扩散和、分子量分布随聚合反应的，获得了有关聚合系和活性分子链物理状态的信息，如玻璃态的微观非均一性及活性分子链比较刚硬等。     

Dynamic Behavior and Mass Transport in Polyacrylic Acid Gel by Dynamic Light Scattering

Dynamic behaviors on polyacrylic acid (PAA) gels and mass (small molecules) transports in the gels have been studied mainly by dynamic light scattering (DLS). The cross-linking degree (fc), monomer concentration (Cm) and temperature of the gels have significant influences on its dynamic behavior and mass transport in the gels. The increase of fc leads to decrease of the mesh sizes of the gels, thus the obstacle of the gels for mass thansport is increased. As a result, small molecular diffusion Dk in the gles is decreased.So even if for small molccules, the Dk also is influenced.     

Determination of Elastic Moduli and Compliances of Viscoelastic Liquids Using the Dynamic Light Scattering Technique

Relations between the dynamic light scattering spectrum and the mechanical compliances and longitudinal stress moduli of viscoelastic liquids are provided. The result provides a basis for determination of mechanical relaxation spectra using the dynamic light scattering technique. The method of Computating the longitudinal modulus and the compliance spectra from the time correlation of density fluctuations of poly (propylene glycol), as determined by the photon correlation spectroscopy technique is illustrated.     

Rheological Behavior and Scattering Studies of Acrylamide-Based Copolymer Solutions

Summary: In this paper the chemical structure of an acrylamide-N,N-dihexylacrylamide copolymer was established by IR and NMR. Static and dynamic light scattering in formamide were used in order to evaluate the polymer structural parameters, such as weight-average molecular weight (M_w), second virial coefficient (A₂), radius of gyration (R_G), the form factor P(q) and the hydrodynamic radius (R_H). Additionally to the classical characterization, those results indicated the presence of aggregation, showing that formamide is not a very good solvent, as stated in earlier investigations. The rheological behavior in aqueous solutions was evaluated as a function of the salt concentration. The solutions presented an important viscosity increase in the presence of NaCl and did not show any sensitivity to the presence of CaCl₂. This result is in favor of the oil recovery especially in high salinity reservoirs.     

丙三醇对水溶液中血红蛋白构象的影响——荧光猝灭和动态光散射研究

利用荧光猝灭法和动态光散射法测定丙三醇-水混合溶剂中血红蛋白(Hb)与联苯胺的结合距离和Hb的流体动力学半径, 并通过分析Hb荧光光谱和吸收光谱的变化, 探讨丙三醇与蛋白质分子在水溶液中相互作用的机理及其对蛋白质构象的影响. 结果表明, 丙三醇-水混合溶剂中Hb通过优先水化作用形成更紧密的构象, 溶剂体系的氢键形成能力下降对稳定蛋白质的构象有重要的影响, 丙三醇浓度较高的混合溶剂中氢键网络发生崩塌, 导致蛋白质构象产生进一步的折叠. 实验显示, 尽管Hb在丙三醇-水混合溶剂中保持较完整的血红素疏水空穴结构, 但是血红素疏水空穴以外肽段的构象发生显著变化, 并对血红蛋白的聚集状态造成一定的影响.     

动态光散射分析不同物化条件下酪蛋白的聚集行为及其胶束尺寸

采用动态光散射技术考察了酪蛋白胶束在各种物化条件(温度、浓度、pH、离子强度、乙醇)下的聚集行为,并测定了胶束尺寸。结果表明:热处理导致酪蛋白胶束发生离解,平均流体力学半径(Rh)值不断减小,且当蛋白浓度较低时热离解过程为可逆,而浓度较高时则为不可逆;酪蛋白胶束的Rh值随蛋白浓度及离子强度的增加均呈现先减小后逐渐增大的趋势,并分别在2g/L和0.1mol/L时达到最小值;而Rh值随pH值的增加则先增大再逐渐减小,并在pH7.0时达到最大值;添加乙醇使酪蛋白胶束不断聚集,Rh值逐渐增加,溶液散射光强(Iθ)呈指数增长。     

Use of a Dynamic Light Scattering Technique for SDS/Water/Pentanol Studies

The interpretation of micelle/aggregate size obtained by use of the DLS technique for SDS/water/pentanol systems was discussed by comparison of the results of measurement with theoretical data. For most of the studied systems, the apparent radii (R _h,app ) did not satisfactorily characterize the size of the aggregates (R _h,app  < 1 nm). The use of a correction factor (f = 0.26) confirmed that the discrepancies were associated with the electrostatic intermicellar interactions. However, the fuzzy optical interface between dispersed and dispersing phases can also be the reason of such results. An increase of pentanol content caused a decrease of the droplet radius in w/o systems but in o/w systems the changes were negligible.     

动静态光散射技术在蛋白质研究中的应用进展

动静态光散射技术是研究蛋白质等大分子物质尺寸、分布、形态及构象的一种重要手段,以其快速、便捷、对样品无干扰等特点,逐步深入到生化、物理、医药病理等领域,具有良好的应用前景。本文简要阐述了光散射技术的发展,主要介绍了动静态光散射技术的原理,从流体力学半径、重均分子量、均方根回旋半径以及渗透第二维里系数4个重要的物理参数出发,对近年来动静态光散射技术在蛋白质研究中的应用进行了调研和综述,并对该技术的发展进行了展望。     

荧光猝灭法和动态光散射法研究尿素-水混合溶剂中牛血清白蛋白的构象变化

利用荧光猝灭法和动态光散射法测定尿素-水混合溶剂中牛血清白蛋白(BSA)与荧光素的结合距离和BSA的流体动力学半径, 并通过分析BSA和荧光素在BSA-尿素-水和荧光素-尿素-水三元体系以及BSA-荧光素-尿素-水四元体系中荧光光谱的变化, 探讨尿素与蛋白质分子在水溶液中相互作用的机理及其对蛋白质构象的影响. 结果显示, BSA的3个结构域在尿素-水混合溶剂中具有不同的稳定性, 其中结构域III在尿素-水混合溶剂中是不稳定的, 而结构域I和结构域II分别在尿素浓度大于3.0和4.0 mol&#8226;L－1的混合溶剂中发生去折叠. 试验发现, BSA结构域II在低于去折叠浓度的尿素-水混合溶剂中形成更为紧密的构象, 这一现象可以归因于尿素与BSA结合引起的“蛋白质粘稠效应”     

A Versatile Dynamic Light Scattering Strategy for the Sensitive Detection of Plant MicroRNAs Based on Click-Chemistry-Amplified Aggregation of Gold Nanoparticles

Plant microRNAs (miRNAs) are naturally 2′-O-methylated at the 3′-terminal; as a consequence, they cannot be efficiently detected by traditional target-triggered polymerization reactions. Here, a simple but robust enzyme-free sensing strategy was developed for plant miRNA analysis by using dynamic light scattering (DLS) to monitor the crosslinking of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) amplified by click chemical ligation. Combining the enzyme-free cycling chemical-ligation-mediated signal amplification, and the intrinsic outstanding ability of DLS for discriminating the extremely low level of particle aggregation in a large pool of monodisperse AuNPs, high sensitivity was achieved and as low as 78.6 fm plant miRNA could be easily detected.     

Polycaprolactone-b-Poly(ethylene oxide) Biocompatible Micelles as Drug Delivery Nanocarriers: Dynamic Light Scattering and Fluorescence Experiments

Summary: Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and fluorescence experiments were carried out to study PCL₄₄-b-PEO₁₁₄ biocompatible micelles used as nanocarriers in drug delivery. Micelles prepared by a simple procedure (THF removal under nitrogen flow) exhibited a narrow size distribution with an average diameter of 100 nm. For micelles containing a hydrophobic model compound (pyrene) within the PCL core, a smaller average micellar size of 80 nm was observed, with a simultaneous broadening in the size distribution profile. In parallel to DLS results, fluorescence experiments showed evidence of pyrene encapsulation, and that the onset of the micellization process occurs at approximately 10/90 (v/v) THF/water mixtures in the case of PCL₄₄-b-PEO₁₁₄ polymer.     

基于动态光散射技术的含乳糖组装体与蛋白质相互作用

采用非共价键合胶束(NCCM)的组装策略, 制备了表面为糖聚合物的纳米粒子, 利用动态光散射技术, 实时跟踪了在溶液中糖与蛋白相结合的动力学数据, 并以聚集体形成的速度来体现不同的蛋白对相同组装体的结合能力强弱. 实验结果表明, 对表面覆盖100%乳糖的组装体, 各蛋白的结合能力表现为SBA?LecA≈Galectin 3>ECA≈Galectin 1, 表明蛋白的糖结合位点个数及其空间分布对多价作用的动力学有较大影响. 基于此模型, 对人半乳凝素-3与糖结合的方式进行了初步探究.