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Evaluation of instrumental errors built in circular dichroism spectrometers
Ettore Castiglioni1, Paolo Albertini, Sergio Abbate
1JASCO Corporation, Ishikawa-cho, Hachioji-Shi, Tokyo 192-8537, Japan. ettore.castiglioni@jasco-europe.com
Chirality
|November 2, 2010
Summary
This study provides criteria for calibrating circular dichroism (CD) spectrometer ordinate scales, crucial for accurate biomolecule analysis. It addresses hardware limitations and offers methods for reliable CD spectroscopy measurements.
Area of Science:
- Biophysical Chemistry
- Spectroscopy
- Biomolecular Analysis
Background:
- Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy is increasingly used by non-specialists for biomolecule analysis.
- Accurate conformational and configurational data depend on precise CD spectrometer calibration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present criteria for accurate ordinate scale calibration of CD spectrometers.
- To identify and correct hardware limitations affecting low-wavelength UV measurements.
- To analyze wavelength calibration methods and standards for CD scale calibration.
Main Methods:
- Evaluation of ordinate scale calibration criteria for CD spectrometers.
- Analysis of wavelength calibration methods and standards.
- Discussion of instrumentation characteristics impacting CD measurements.
- Case study using bovine catalase CD spectrum.
Main Results:
- Established criteria for checking CD spectrometer ordinate scale calibration, especially in the low-wavelength UV region.
- Identified potential hardware limitations affecting measurement accuracy.
- Analyzed various wavelength calibration techniques and standards.
- Provided insights into instrumentation effects on CD data.
Conclusions:
- Accurate calibration of CD spectrometers is essential for reliable biomolecular conformational analysis.
- Understanding and addressing hardware limitations improve measurement precision.
- Standardized calibration methods enhance the utility of CD spectroscopy for nonspecialists.
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