Analytical light scattering methods in molecular and structural biology: Experimental aspects and results

TL;DR

This paper reviews non-invasive light scattering techniques in molecular biology, highlighting their experimental methods and results for analyzing macromolecules, their size, aggregation, and interactions, complementing other biophysical methods.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of experimental aspects and results of light scattering methods in studying biological macromolecules.

Findings

Static light scattering determines macromolecular mass and aggregation.

Dynamic light scattering assesses sample homogeneity and particle size.

Light scattering complements other biophysical techniques in molecular biology.

Abstract

Non-invasive light scattering methods provide data on biological macromolecules (i.e. proteins, nucleic acids, as well as assemblies and larger entities composed of them) that are complementary with those of size exclusion chromatography, gel electrophoresis, analytical ultracentrifugation and mass spectrometry methods. Static light scattering measurements are useful to determine the mass of macromolecules and to monitor aggregation phenomena. Dynamic light scattering measurements are suitable for the quality control and to assess sample homogeneity, to determine particle size, examine the effect of physical and chemical treatments, probe the binding of ligands, and study interactions between macromolecules.