Asymmetrical-flow field-flow fractionation with on-line multiangle light scattering detection. 1. Application to wormlike chain analysis of weakly stiff polymer chains.
Four samples of hyaluronan in the sodium form, ranging in weight-average molecular weight, M(w), from 6.67 x 10(5) to 4.23 x 10(6) were investigated by asymmetrical-flow field-flow fractionation coupled to multiangle light scattering (FlFFF-MALS) in 0.2 M aqueous NaCl at 25 degrees C. M(w) and z-average radii of gyration, R(G)(z)(), obtained via FlFFF-MALS showed a good agreement with the results obtained by conventional static light scattering. Furthermore, the molecular weight dependence of the radius of gyration for sodium hyaluronan obtained via FlFFF-MALS was analyzed on the basis of the Kratky-Porod model for unperturbed wormlike chains combined with the Yamakawa theory for radius expansion factor, and a sufficiently good agreement was observed between the theoretical prediction and experimental data. These results show the potential usage of FlFFF-MALS regarding size separation and molecular characterization even for weakly stiff chains.
Takahashi
Rheo
R
Centre for Water-Soluble Polymers, The North East Wales Institute, Plas Coch, Mold Road, Wrexham, LL11 2AW, UK. rheo_t@hotmail.com
Al-Assaf
Saphwan
S
Williams
Peter A
PA
Kubota
Kenji
K
Okamoto
Akio
A
Nishinari
Katsuyoshi
K
D031521:Fractionation, Field Flow; D008027:Light; D008970:Molecular Weight; D011108:Polymers; D012542:Scattering, Radiation
D011108:Polymers