About the instrument

The Stunner from Unchained Labs is a powerful all-in-one solution for fast, detailed biomolecular characterization, combining UV/Vis absorbance with dynamic light scattering (DLS) capabilities.

Key features and highlights include:

  • Minimal Sample Volume: Requires only 2 µL of sample for accurate analysis, conserving valuable material.
  • High Versatility: Supports a wide variety of biomolecule types, from DNA, RNA, and proteins to lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and viral vectors.
  • No Dilution Needed: Ensures accurate, straightforward readings without the need for sample dilution. (Dynamic range from 0.03 to 275 OD; protein quantification from 0.02 to 200 mg/mL; nucleic acid quantification from 1.5 to 13.750 ng/µL.)
  • High-Throughput Capability: Can process up to 96 samples in a single run, boosting efficiency and consistency.
  • Broad UV/Vis Wavelength Range: Operates across 230-750 nm, accommodating diverse applications.
  • Precise Quantification and Aggregation Monitoring: Enables label-free concentration measurements along with aggregation and stability profiling in one run.

The Stunner’s automated workflows and user-friendly interface support consistent data quality, making it an invaluable tool for fast, reliable biomolecular analysis and quality control.

How does it work?

The Stunner uses a combination of UV/Vis spectroscopy and both traditional Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and advanced Rotating Angle Dynamic Light Scattering (RaDLS) to provide a comprehensive view of biomolecular properties, ideal for quality control applications.

  • UV/Vis Spectroscopy: The amount of light absorbed by a protein, DNA, or RNA sample is directly related to its concentration. Proteins typically absorb most strongly at 280 nm, while DNA and RNA peak at 260 nm. Using Beer’s law, the concentration can be calculated from the absorbance, along with the pathlength and the sample’s extinction coefficient or concentration factor.
  • Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS): DLS measures the size of particles in a sample by detecting fluctuations in light scattered by particles moving due to Brownian motion. Smaller particles move more quickly, causing faster fluctuations, while larger particles move more slowly. By analyzing these fluctuations, DLS provides an estimate of particle size distribution within the sample.
  • Rotating Angle Dynamic Light Scattering (RADLS): Expanding upon classic single-angle DLS, RADLS enhances particle size analysis by measuring light scattering at multiple angles. By rotating the DLS detector through different angles, RADLS collects a broader set of scattering data, allowing for more accurate particle size determination, particularly for complex or polydisperse samples. This multi-angle approach improves sensitivity and resolution.