Facility Description for Proposal Preparation

The LSU Shared Laboratory for Macro and Bio-Macromolecular Research (SLMBR) occupies 1500 sq ft on the 2nd floor of the Chemistry building (Choppin Hall).  Two full-time Ph.D.-level staff employee supports the facility.  The interim facility director is Dr. Fabrizio Donnarumma (fabrizio@lsu.edu)

The SLMBR provides advanced equipment for characterization of macromolecules, supramolecular assemblies, colloids, complex fluids, and related materials. 
Distribution of polymer molecular weight and size can be measured qualitatively or absolutely on one of two Agilent-Wyatt gel permeation chromatography Multiangle Light Scattering (GPC-MALS) systems, or a Tosoh EcoSEC Elite GPC system with a LenS3 MALS Detector. Dynamic light scattering measurements can be performed on a state-of-the-art laser light scattering systems built to the specifications of the department in LSU’s Scientific Instrumentation Shops, or a Malvern ZetaSizer nano ZS instrument (which can also measure zeta potential). On-line in flow-through mode is also available using a Wyatt QELS.
Thermal analysis capabilities include Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) (TA Instruments Discovery DSC 250 and Q200), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)( TA Instruments Discovery TGA 550), Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA)( TA Instruments Q800), and Rheology (TA Instruments Discovery HR-20, and Ares AR200).
Optical microscopy capabilities rely on Olympus and Leitz optical microscopes for polarized, transmission, and epi-fluorescence illumination, with video cameras interface to two separate image processing systems.
FTIR analysis is achieved with a Bruker Alpha Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) instrument.

Letter of Support Request