Spectroscopy and light scattering
Obtaining structural information from the interaction between molecules and electromagnetic radiation
Spectrometer: Circular dichroism: Jasco J-1500
The J-1500 circular dichroism (CD) spectropolarimeter allows simultaneous measurement of 4 modes including CD, linear dichroism (LD), and absorbance. We have a range of accessories including long pass cut-off filters for excitation fluorescence spectroscopy, film stretchers for LD, Couette flow cells for LD, multiple -position thermostatted cuvette holder. Users are generally expected to provide their own quartz cuvettes
Circular dichroism (CD) measures the difference in absorbance of left- and right- handed polarized light of chiral molecules, which is commonly used to analyse the conformation of macromolecules, particularly protein secondary structure.
Linear dichroism (LD) measures the difference in absorption of light linearly polarised parallel and perpendicular to the orientation axis. LD can be used to give information about the conformation and orientation of structures with orientated molecules such as DNA complexes, fibrous proteins such as (e.g. cytoskeleton and amyloid proteins) and membrane peptides/proteins in liposomes.
The J-1500 is a hybrid instrument consisting of a variable wavelength polarimeter for CD or LD and absorption spectrophotometer (~180-900 nm, Far-UV to Vis range). The J-1500 is fitted with a 6-position multi-cell changer and Peltier temperature control unit. This set-up is ideally suited to:
- Determine protein secondary structure and analyse conformational changes
- Nucleic acid structure determination and changes upon binding or melting
- Other thermodynamic parameters and kinetics based measurements
Used for
Routine solution state experiments on chiral molecules with a range of more sophisticated experiments possible including temperature controlled, kinetics, linear dichroism, fluorescence detected CD and LD.
Specifications
- Operates from 950 – 163 nm
- Light source : 150 W air-cooled Xenon lamp or 450 W water-cooled Xenon lamp (factory-installed option)
- Detector : Head-on photomultiplier tube PMT
- Optional photomultiplier tube PMT
- Optional InGaAs
- Modulator : Piezoelastic modulator
- Measurement wavelength range : 163 to 950 nm
- Wavelength accuracy : 0.1 nm from 163 to 250 nm
- 0.2 nm from 250 to 500 nm
- 0.5 nm from 500 to 800 nm
- Spectral bandwidth: 0.01 to 16 nm
- Slit width : 1 to 4000 μm
- Digital Integration Time (D.I.T.) : 0.1 msec to 30 sec.
- Scanning mode : Continuous scan
- Step scan
- Auto response(D.I.T) scan
- Scanning speed : up to 10000 nm/min
Contact
Alison Rodger or Sophie Goodchild
4 Wally’s walk, laboratory 302
Department of Molecular Sciences
Macquarie University
sophie.goodchild@mq.edu.au
T: 02 9850 8235
Rates
Discounted rates apply for Macquarie university researchers.
Location
4 Wally’s walk, room 302 (restricted access)
Spectrometer: Circular dichroism: Jasco J-810
Circular dichroism (CD) measures the difference in absorbance of left- and right-handed polarized light, which can be a powerful tool for identification and characterisation of chiral molecules. The J-810 is a hybrid instrument consisting of a variable wavelength polarimeter and absorption spectrophotometer (~180-900 nm, Far-UV to Vis range). Our J-810 is also fitted with an Optical Rotation Dispersion (ORD) module and Peltier temperature control unit making it ideally suited to measure optical purity/identification of small molecules and
natural products chemistry.
Specifications
- Light source: 150 W Xenon arc lamp (air cooled)
- Wavelength range: ~180 to ~900 nm (standard)
- Four Channel Simultaneous Data Acquisition: Input channels: 2 internal plus 2 external signals can be acquired simultaneously
- ORDM-401 unit fitted
Contact
Alison Rodger or Sophie Goodchild
4 Wally’s walk, laboratory 302
Department of Molecular Sciences
Macquarie University
sophie.goodchild@mq.edu.au
T: 02 9850 8235
Rates
Discounted rates apply for Macquarie university researchers.
Location
4 Wally’s walk, room 302 (restricted access)
Spectrometer: Infra-red: Jasco FT/IR-4700
The FT/IR 4700 is a Mid-IR Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometer (wavenumber range 7800 to 350 cm-1) with high resolution (0.4cm-1 and S/N over 35,000:1), making it ideal for transmission measurements of solid, liquid and gas samples. A real-time data processing function can be used to observe and verify the spectrum during measurements.
The FT/IR 4700 can also be paired with the PIKE MIRacle™ Single Reflection ATR accessory with ZeSe crystal for high throughput attenuated total reflectance (ATR) measurements.
Specifications
- Light source: High-intensity ceramic source
- Wavenumber Range: 7,800 to 350 cm-1
- Wavenumber accuracy: ± 0.01 cm-1 (theoretical value)
- Maximum resolution: 0.4 cm-1
- Optical System: Single beam
- Sample chamber: Size: 200 mm (W) × 260 mm (D) × 185 mm (h) (can be nitrogen purged)
Contact
Alison Rodger or Sophie Goodchild
4 Wally’s walk, laboratory 302
Department of Molecular Sciences
Macquarie University
sophie.goodchild@mq.edu.au
T: 02 9850 8235
Rates
Discounted rates apply for Macquarie university researchers.
Location
4 Wally’s walk, room 302 (restricted access)
Spectrometer: Light Scattering: Malvern Zeta Sizer Nano SP
The Malvern Zetasizer Nano is a light scattering system suitable for characterisation of colloid dispersions, nanoparticles and macromolecules such as polymer and protein solutions (3.8 nm to 100 μm, concentration ~0.1ppm to 40%w/v, pH 1-13, sample dependent). Three different light scattering measurements can be performed:
- Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) – is used to measure the diffusion of particles under Brownian motion, and convert this to a size distribution using the Stokes-Einstein relationship. Non-invasive back-scatter (NIBS) technology is incorporated to give better sensitivity and the ability
to measure particles at high concentration. - Electrophoretic Light scattering (ELS) – is used to measure zeta potential. An electric field is applied to the sample and mixed mode measurement, phase analysis light scattering (M3-PALS) is used to measure electrophoretic mobility and determine a zeta potential distribution.
- Static Light Scattering (SLS) – is used to determine the molecular weight (> ~1KDa) of proteins and polymers. The scattering intensity at a range of concentrations is measured to construct a Debye plot. From this the weight-average molecular weight and second virial coefficient can
be calculated to provide a measure of protein solubility.
Specifications
- Measurement range: 3.8nm – 100 microns diameter (sample dependent)
- Measurement principle: Electrophoretic Light Scattering
- Minimum sample volume: 150µL (20µL using diffusion barrier method)
- Accuracy: 0.12µm.cm/V.s for aqueous systems using NIST SRM1980 standard reference material
- Sensitivity: ~0.1-10mg/mL (BSA/Lysozyme)
- Temperature control range: 0°C - 90°C +/-0.1
- Light source: He-Ne laser 633nm, Max 4mW
Contact
Alison Rodger or Sophie Goodchild
4 Wally’s walk, laboratory 302
Department of Molecular Sciences
Macquarie University
sophie.goodchild@mq.edu.au
T: 02 9850 8235
Rates
Discounted rates apply for Macquarie university researchers.
Location
4 Wally’s walk, room 302 (restricted access)
Spectrometer: Circular dichroism: Jasco J-1500
The J-1500 circular dichroism (CD) spectropolarimeter allows simultaneous measurement of 4 modes including CD, linear dichroism (LD), and absorbance. We have a range of accessories including long pass cut-off filters for excitation fluorescence spectroscopy, film stretchers for LD, Couette flow cells for LD, multiple -position thermostatted cuvette holder. Users are generally expected to provide their own quartz cuvettes
Circular dichroism (CD) measures the difference in absorbance of left- and right- handed polarized light of chiral molecules, which is commonly used to analyse the conformation of macromolecules, particularly protein secondary structure.
Linear dichroism (LD) measures the difference in absorption of light linearly polarised parallel and perpendicular to the orientation axis. LD can be used to give information about the conformation and orientation of structures with orientated molecules such as DNA complexes, fibrous proteins such as (e.g. cytoskeleton and amyloid
proteins) and membrane peptides/proteins in liposomes.
The J-1500 is a hybrid instrument consisting of a variable wavelength polarimeter for CD or LD and absorption spectrophotometer (~180-900 nm, Far-UV to Vis range). The J-1500 is fitted with a 6-position multi-cell changer
and Peltier temperature control unit. This set-up is ideally suited to:
- Determine protein secondary structure and analyse conformational changes
- Nucleic acid structure determination and changes upon binding or melting
- Other thermodynamic parameters and kinetics based measurements
Used for
Routine solution state experiments on chiral molecules with a range of more sophisticated experiments possible including temperature controlled, kinetics, linear dichroism, fluorescence detected CD and LD.
Specifications
- Operates from 950 – 163 nm
- Light source : 150 W air-cooled Xenon lamp or 450 W water-cooled Xenon lamp (factory-installed option)
- Detector : Head-on photomultiplier tube PMT
- Optional photomultiplier tube PMT
- Optional InGaAs
- Modulator : Piezoelastic modulator
- Measurement wavelength range : 163 to 950 nm
- Wavelength accuracy : 0.1 nm from 163 to 250 nm
- 0.2 nm from 250 to 500 nm
- 0.5 nm from 500 to 800 nm
- Spectral bandwidth: 0.01 to 16 nm
- Slit width : 1 to 4000 μm
- Digital Integration Time (D.I.T.) : 0.1 msec to 30 sec.
- Scanning mode : Continuous scan
- Step scan
- Auto response(D.I.T) scan
- Scanning speed : up to 10000 nm/min
Contact
Alison Rodger or Sophie Goodchild
4 Wally’s walk, laboratory 302
Department of Molecular Sciences
Macquarie University
sophie.goodchild@mq.edu.au
T: 02 9850 8235
Rates
Discounted rates apply for Macquarie university researchers.
Location
4 Wally’s walk, room 302 (restricted access)
Spectrometer: Circular dichroism: Jasco J-810
Circular dichroism (CD) measures the difference in absorbance of left- and right-handed polarized light, which can be a powerful tool for identification and characterisation of chiral molecules. The J-810 is a hybrid instrument consisting of a variable wavelength polarimeter and absorption spectrophotometer (~180-900 nm, Far-UV to Vis range). Our J-810 is also fitted with an Optical Rotation Dispersion (ORD) module and Peltier temperature control unit making it ideally suited to measure optical purity/identification of small molecules and natural products chemistry.
Specifications
- Light source: 150 W Xenon arc lamp (air cooled)
- Wavelength range: ~180 to ~900 nm (standard)
- Four Channel Simultaneous Data Acquisition: Input channels: 2 internal plus 2 external signals can be acquired simultaneously
- ORDM-401 unit fitted
Contact
Alison Rodger or Sophie Goodchild
4 Wally’s walk, laboratory 302
Department of Molecular Sciences
Macquarie University
sophie.goodchild@mq.edu.au
T: 02 9850 8235
Rates
Discounted rates apply for Macquarie university researchers.
Location
4 Wally’s walk, room 302 (restricted access)
Spectrometer: Light Scattering: Malvern Zeta Sizer Nano SP
The Malvern Zetasizer Nano is a light scattering system suitable for characterisation of colloid dispersions, nanoparticles and macromolecules such as polymer and protein solutions (3.8 nm to 100 μm, concentration ~0.1ppm to 40%w/v, pH 1-13, sample dependent). Three different light scattering measurements can be performed:
- Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) – is used to measure the diffusion of particles under Brownian motion, and convert this to a size distribution using the Stokes-Einstein relationship. Non-invasive back-scatter (NIBS) technology is incorporated to give better sensitivity and the ability
to measure particles at high concentration. - Electrophoretic Light scattering (ELS) – is used to measure zeta potential. An electric field is applied to the sample and mixed mode measurement, phase analysis light scattering (M3-PALS) is used to measure electrophoretic mobility and determine a zeta potential distribution.
- Static Light Scattering (SLS) – is used to determine the molecular weight (> ~1KDa) of proteins and polymers. The scattering intensity at a range of concentrations is measured to construct a Debye plot. From this the weight-average molecular weight and second virial coefficient can
be calculated to provide a measure of protein solubility.
Specifications
- Measurement range: 3.8nm – 100 microns diameter (sample dependent)
- Measurement principle: Electrophoretic Light Scattering
- Minimum sample volume: 150µL (20µL using diffusion barrier method)
- Accuracy: 0.12µm.cm/V.s for aqueous systems using NIST SRM1980 standard reference material
- Sensitivity: ~0.1-10mg/mL (BSA/Lysozyme)
- Temperature control range: 0°C - 90°C +/-0.1
- Light source: He-Ne laser 633nm, Max 4mW
Contact
Alison Rodger or Sophie Goodchild
4 Wally’s walk, laboratory 302
Department of Molecular Sciences
Macquarie University
sophie.goodchild@mq.edu.au
T: 02 9850 8235
Rates
Discounted rates apply for Macquarie university researchers.
Location
4 Wally’s walk, room 302 (restricted access)
Spectrometer: Microwave Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometer: Agilent 4100 MP-AES
Microwave induced Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrophotometer (MP-AES) measures levels of elements in solution.
Used for
Simultaneous multi-analyte determination of major and minor elements. Working range of low ppm to weight percent (wt. %).
Specifications
- Nitrogen supplied
- Samples must be digested in low concentrated nitric acid
- A wide range of ICP grade standards available in teaching lab
- Similar to ICP-MS, AAS.
Contact
Dr Aleksei Marianov
4 Wally’s Walk, room 221
Macquarie University
aleksei.marianov@mq.edu.au
T: 02 9850 4219
Rates
Discounted rates apply for Macquarie university researchers.
Location
14 Sir Christopher Ondaatje Avenue, room 321.
Bookings please contact Dr Aleksei Marianov
Spectrometer: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance: Bruker AVIIIHD 400 MHz
The Avance 400 MHz NMR spectrometer, with the SampleXpress 60 Holder Autosampler and Iconnmr automation software, is the workhorse of the NMR facility. Samples are conveniently submitted and queued for analysis.
Used for
Routine solution state 1D and 2D experiments on small molecules
Specifications
- 5mm BBFO SmartProbe™ (19F/31P-109Ag)
- Actively-shielded high performance Z-gradient
- 19F{1H} and 2D 1H/19F correlation spectroscopy
- Operating temperature range: -150°C to +150°C
- Ascend 400 MHz (9.4 T) Magnet
- Drift rate < 4.0 Hz/hr
- BCUII (Bruker Chiller Unit)
- Accessible temperatures ≥ 200 K
- SampleXpress 60 Holder Autosampler
Contact
Dr Aleksei Marianov
4 Wally’s Walk, room 221
Macquarie University
aleksei.marianov@mq.edu.au
T: 02 9850 4219
Rates
Discounted rates apply for Macquarie university researchers.
Location
4 Wally’s walk, room 014 (highly restricted access)
Spectrometer: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance: Bruker AVIIIHD 500 MHz
The Avance 500 MHz NMR spectrometer is set up to run variable temperature experiments (-70°C to 100°C) routinely. Very low temperature experiments (-70°C to -150°C) can also be run with use of the liquid nitrogen evaporator and staff assistance. It is highly sensitive for carbon detection, thus it is often utilized to acquire data for the complete characterization of small to medium sized organic molecules.
Used for
Variable temperature solution state experiments, characterization experiments
Specifications
- 5mm BBFO SmartProbe™ (19F/31P-109Ag)
- Actively-shielded high performance Z-gradient
- 19F{1H} and 2D 1H/19F correlation spectroscopy
- Operating temperature range: -150°C to +150°C
- Ascend 500 MHz (11.7 T) Magnet
- Drift rate < 5.0 Hz/hr
- Magnet leg upgrade to damp vibrations above 3.8 Hz
- BCUII (Bruker Chiller Unit)
- Accessible temperatures ≥ 200 K
- SampleCase 24 Holder Autosampler
Contact
Dr Aleksei Marianov
4 Wally’s Walk, room 221
Macquarie University
aleksei.marianov@mq.edu.au
T: 02 9850 4219
Rates
Discounted rates apply for Macquarie university researchers.
Location
4 Wally’s walk, room 014 (highly restricted access)
Spectrometer: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance: Bruker AVII 600 MHz NMR Spectrometer
The AVII 600 MHz NMR spectrometer is equipped with cryoprobe and is utilized for experiments where the upmost of sensitivity is required, such as protein studies and natural product characterisations.
Used for
Characterisation of natural products, protein NMR structure determination. Variable temperature work is not permitted.
Specifications
- 5 mm TXI Cryoprobe with Z-gradient (1H/13C/15N/2H observe)
- 3 high power channel operation
- SampleXpress Lite 16 Holder Autosampler
- BCU05 (Bruker Chiller Unit)
Contact
Dr Aleksei Marianov
4 Wally’s Walk, room 221
Macquarie University
aleksei.marianov@mq.edu.au
T: 02 9850 4219
Rates
Discounted rates apply for Macquarie university researchers.
Location
4 Wally’s walk, room 014 (highly restricted access)
Spectrometer: Raman
Used for
High Precision Isotope Ratios
Contact
Peter Wieland
E5B - 10 Sir Christopher Ondaatje Avenue, Room 206
Peter.Wieland@mq.edu.au
T: 02 9850 4402
Location
E5B - 10 Sir Christopher Ondaatje Avenue, Room 135
Spectrometer: Spectrofluorometer: Jasco FP-8500
The FP-8500 is a spectrofluorometer for measurement of steady-state fluorescence and luminescence, emission and excitation, across a wavelength range of 200 to 750 nm. The FP-8500 has high resolution and standard automatic band-pass filters to obtain spectra without the artificial peaks due to second order diffracted light.
The FP-8500 is also fitted with shutters to protect samples when not being measured and rejection filters to minimise stray light. A Peltier temperature control unit is also available for temperature controlled measurements, making this instrument ideally suited for kinetics and thermodynamics based experiments.
Specifications
- Light Source: High intensity continuous output Xenon arc lamp
- Wavelength range: 200 to 750 nm
- Sensitivity: S/N 75,000:1 (RMS, water Raman)
- Scanning Speed: 10-60,000 nm/min
Contact
Alison Rodger or Sophie Goodchild
4 Wally’s walk, laboratory 302
Department of Molecular Sciences
Macquarie University
sophie.goodchild@mq.edu.au
T: 02 9850 8235
Rates
Discounted rates apply for Macquarie university researchers.
Location
4 Wally’s walk, room 302 (restricted access)
Spectrometer: UV-visible : Jasco V-760
The V-760 is a double-beam UV-Visible spectrometer that measures light absorption, reflectance or transmittance in the visible to ultraviolet region (187-900 nm). The extended photometric linearity of the V-760 (up to 6 AU) enables measurement of highly absorbing samples which is particularly useful for materials with low transmission properties such as solid films. The V-760 is also fitted with a 6-position multi-cell changer and Peltier temperature control unit making it an ideal UV-vis instrument for kinetic and thermodynamic experiments.
Specifications
- Optical System: Czerny-Turner mount, double monochromator, fully symmetrical double beam
- Light Source: Halogen lamp, deuterium lamp
- Wavelength range: 187 to 900 nm (+/-0.1 nm at 656.1 nm)
- Photometric Range: -4-6 AU +/-0.3 %T
- Scanning Speed: 10-400 nm/min
Contact
Alison Rodger or Sophie Goodchild
4 Wally’s walk, laboratory 302
Department of Molecular Sciences
Macquarie University
sophie.goodchild@mq.edu.au
T: 02 9850 8235
Rates
Discounted rates apply for Macquarie university researchers.
Location
4 Wally’s walk, room 302 (restricted access)
Spectrometer: X-ray fluorescence: Bruker M4 Tornado Micro XRF
Used for
In-situ major element composition and elemental distribution of whole samples
Specifications
- Typical Sample Type: Pretty much anything that will fit inside and withstand vacuum
- Chamber size: 600mm x 360mm x 260mm
- Resolution down to 20 μm
Contact
Timothy Murphy
E5B - 10 Sir Christopher Ondaatje Avenue, Room 204
Timothy.D.Murphy@mq.edu.au
T: 02 9850 8258
Location
E5B - 10 Sir Christopher Ondaatje Avenue, Room 206
Spectrometer: X-ray fluorescence: Panalytical Axios XRF
Used for
Major element analysis of fused glass beads produced from rock powders
Specifications
- Typical Sample Type: 1 gram of <63 μm rock powder
- Fused glass beads produced in-house using your sample
- 1 kW Source
Contact
Peter Wieland
E5B - 10 Sir Christopher Ondaatje Avenue, Room 206
Peter.Wieland@mq.edu.au
T: 02 9850 4402
Location
E5B - 10 Sir Christopher Ondaatje Avenue, Room 206