White Paper Application Note

Introduction Short column sedimentation equilibrium analysis offers many advantages for researchers wanting quick, sure characterization of the solution properties of macromolecules. Presented here is a list of when short column methods are an appropriate choice, a brief theoretical treatment and an overview of short column sedimentation methods, including ones diagnostic for self-association and nonideality. Short column methods were first described by Van Holde and Baldwin in 1958 (1), and centerpieces specifically designed for these methods were described by Yphantis in 1960 (2). Their distinguishing characteristics are (Fig. 1): 1. The parallel rows of four, small, sample viewing (1.2 mm diameter) holes 4 mm apart. 2. The two rows of larger (2.4 mm) holes used for filling the cell. 3. The connecting groove between the fill hole and sample viewing holes.