Wyatt DynaPro Plate Reader Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) System

The Wyatt DynaPro Plate Reader represents a paradigm shift in the field of dynamic light scattering (DLS) and static light scattering (SLS), transitioning nanoparticle and biomolecular characterization from low-throughput, cuvette-based methods to a fully automated, high-throughput workflow. Designed specifically for modern biopharmaceutical development, formulation science, and nanotechnology research, this instrument eliminates the need for fluid transfer or manual sample handling by measuring directly from industry-standard 96-, 384-, or even 1536-well microplates. Utilizing a high-powered 830 nm infrared laser, which is insensitive to the autofluorescence commonly found in biological buffers and compounds, the system delivers rapid, non-destructive measurements of hydrodynamic radius, polydispersity, and molecular weight with exceptional sensitivity, capable of detecting lysozyme at concentrations as low as 0.125 mg/mL. The integration of precise temperature control ranging from 4°C to 85°C allows for sophisticated thermal ramp experiments to determine key stability indicators such as the melting temperature (Tm), aggregation onset temperature (Tagg), and colloidal stability parameters. By combining the sensitivity of traditional cuvette DLS with the efficiency of plate reading, the DynaPro Plate Reader empowers researchers to conduct thousands of measurements in a single day, drastically accelerating the screening of buffer conditions, excipients, and drug candidates while consuming minimal sample volumes as low as 4 µL in 1536-well formats.

Operationally, the instrument is driven by Wyatt’s powerful DYNAMICS software suite, which automates well-plate scanning, data acquisition, and complex analyses, including the calculation of the second virial coefficient (A2) and diffusion interaction parameter (kD) to assess protein-protein interactions and solubility profiles. The system is equipped with an onboard 3-megapixel camera that captures images of each well before and after measurement, providing a crucial visual confirmation of sample integrity, such as identifying precipitation, crystallization, or meniscus issues caused by evaporation—problems that often go undetected in standard plate readers but critically impact data validity. This feature is complemented by the instrument's compatibility with plate sealing films or oil overlays to prevent evaporation during long-term kinetic or thermal studies. The DYNAMICS software guides users through experimental design and offers real-time data quality assessment, ensuring that only reliable correlation functions are used for size determination. Furthermore, for laboratories operating under regulatory compliance, the software is available with a 21 CFR Part 11 compliant Security Pack, enabling its deployment in GMP and GLP environments for critical quality attribute (CQA) testing during drug development. This seamless integration of hardware precision and software intelligence removes the bottlenecks associated with traditional light scattering, allowing scientists to focus on data interpretation rather than instrument troubleshooting.

The versatility and impact of the DynaPro Plate Reader are most evident in its wide array of applications within the life sciences and materials science sectors. In biologics development, it serves as an indispensable tool for the high-throughput formulation screening of monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, and gene therapies, rapidly identifying conditions that minimize aggregation and maximize colloidal and thermal stability. Researchers utilize the instrument to screen hundreds of buffer compositions and excipient concentrations in parallel, determining viscosity, solubility, and self-association tendencies that are critical for developing stable, injectable drug products. Beyond proteins, the system is equally adept at characterizing synthetic nanoparticles, liposomes, polymeric micelles, and extracellular vesicles, providing accurate size distributions and concentration metrics essential for drug delivery and diagnostic applications. Its ability to perform both DLS and SLS measurements in the same plate further distinguishes it from competitors, offering absolute molar mass determination alongside size data without the need for column calibration. Whether integrated into a standalone workflow or coupled with robotic liquid handlers for fully automated sample preparation and analysis, the Wyatt DynaPro Plate Reader stands as a robust, reliable, and highly efficient platform that meets the demanding throughput and data quality requirements of contemporary pharmaceutical and academic research laboratories.