3D-printed SAXS chamber for controlled in situ dialysis and optical characterization

3D printing changes the scope of how samples can be mounted for small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). In this paper a 3D-printed X-ray chamber, which allows for in   situ exchange of buffer and in   situ optical transmission spectroscopy, is presented. The chamber is made of cyclic olefin copolymers (COC), including COC X-ray windows providing ultra-low SAXS background. The design integrates a membrane insert for in   situ dialysis of the 100   µ l sample volume against a reservoir, which enables measurements of the same sample under multiple conditions using an in-house X-ray setup equipped with a 17.4   keV molybdenum source. The design's capabilities are demonstrated by measuring reversible structural changes in lipid and polymer systems as a function of salt concentration and pH. In the same chambers optical light transmission spectroscopy was carried out measuring the optical turbidity of the mesophases and local pH values using pH-responsive dyes. Microfluidic exchange and optical spectroscopy combined with in   situ X-ray scattering enables vast applications for the study of responsive materials.
Source: Journal of Synchrotron Radiation - Category: Physics Authors: Tags: cyclic olefin copolymer 3D printing in situ dialysis in-house measurements small-angle X-ray scattering research papers Source Type: research