Nanoliter Osmometer
Nanoliter Osmometer - Related Videos
09:32
LabVIEW-operated Novel Nanoliter Osmometer for Ice Binding Protein Investigations
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Cited by 66 •
2013
Ice binding proteins (IBPs), also known as antifreeze proteins, inhibit ice growth and are a promising additive for use in the cryopreservation of tissues. The main tool used to investigate IBPs is the nanoliter osmometer. We developed a home-designed cooling stage mounted on an optical microscope and controlled using a custom-built LabVIEW routine. The nanoliter osmometer described here manipulated the sample temperature in an ultra-sensitive manner.
05:06
Tumor Allotransplantation in Drosophila melanogaster with a Programmable Auto-Nanoliter Injector
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Cited by 10 •
2021
This protocol provides detailed guidance for the initial and continued generational allotransplantation of Drosophila tumors into the abdomen of adult hosts for studying various aspects of neoplasia. Using an autoinjector apparatus, researchers can achieve improved efficiency and tumor yields compared to those achieved by traditional, manual methods.
07:27
High Throughput MicroRNA Profiling: Optimized Multiplex qRT-PCR at Nanoliter Scale on the Fluidigm Dynamic ArrayTM IFCs
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Cited by 13 •
2011
Here we describe an optimized multiplex reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) protocol in combination with a microfluidic platform as a cost and time effective high-throughput screening tool for microRNA (miRNA) expression levels, especially when working with limited amounts of sample.
09:43
Identification of Plant Ice-binding Proteins Through Assessment of Ice-recrystallization Inhibition and Isolation Using Ice-affinity Purification
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Cited by 5 •
2017
This paper outlines the identification of ice-binding proteins from freeze-tolerant plants through the assessment of ice-recrystallization inhibition activity and subsequent isolation of native IBPs using ice-affinity purification.
09:39
Paired Nanoinjection and Electrophysiology Assay to Screen for Bioactivity of Compounds using the Drosophila melanogaster Giant Fiber System
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Cited by 6 •
2012
A rapid in vivo assay to test for neuromodulatory compounds using the Giant Fiber System (GFS) of Drosophila melanogaster is described. Nanoinjections in the head of the animal along with electrophysiological recordings of the GFS can reveal bioactivity of compounds on neurons or muscles.
FAQs
The sample is cooled until ice forms, establishing a freezing event that can be detected reproducibly. The instrument then warms the sample slightly and identifies the point at which the ice melts. That melting point is used as the analytical signal: its relationship to dissolved-particle concentration allows osmolality to be determined from a nanoliter-scale specimen.
It provides information about the solution's dissolved-particle concentration rather than simply the identity of an individual solute. Consequently, changes in the melting point can indicate that the overall composition of a buffer, protein preparation, culture medium, or formulation has changed. This makes the measurement useful for checking solution composition and assessing whether a preparation remains consistent.
Nanoliter-scale analysis is valuable when a sample is scarce, purified, or costly to replace. In biochemistry, this can include proteins, specialized buffers, cell culture media, and pharmaceutical formulations. Measuring a minute aliquot allows researchers to obtain osmolality information without requiring a large quantity of material, which is particularly useful when the available preparation is limited.
A typical measurement begins by placing a very small liquid sample into the instrument and cooling it until ice forms. The sample is then warmed slightly while the instrument detects the melting point. That observed transition is interpreted in relation to dissolved-particle concentration, producing an osmolality measurement for the tested biochemical solution.
Suitable examples include proteins, buffers, cell culture media, and pharmaceutical formulations. These materials may be scarce, purified, or valuable, making a low-volume measurement approach especially appropriate. The same analytical principle can therefore support evaluation of different solution types while focusing on their dissolved-particle content and its relationship to composition and biological compatibility.
Researchers can use these measurements to assess solution composition, quality, stability, and compatibility with biological systems. For example, osmolality data can help characterize a protein preparation, evaluate a buffer or culture medium, or examine a pharmaceutical formulation. The resulting information connects a measurable physical property with practical questions about whether a solution is suitable for its intended biological or experimental use.