Multi-Angle Light Scattering VS. LC-MS (MALDI)

[flortzweich]

Hello,

I have been contacted by a company selling a muli-angle light scattering detector, with the claim that true molecular weights can be obtained through this method. Has anyone out there compared MALDI data to a Multi-Angle Light Scattering detector? What have you found? Also, from a cost standpoint, does the Multi-Angle Light Scattering detector have more bang for the buck?

We are running a ~5000 Mw (based on PEO standards) acrylic/maleic copolymer with Ultrahydrogel columns.

Thanks!

[CE Instruments]

Hi
Never run a comparison but I have some experience of both particle size characterisation and LC-Maldi. I very much doubt that the light scattering technique will even give you a correct molecular weight let alone an accurate mass result suitable for protein identification. The size data will be better but only if the particles are round and not transparent as these are assumptions that are used to calculate the data.
In this case I think the vast price difference will be reflected in the results.