FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 11, 2003.

Viscotek, the leader in multiple detector characterisation of polymers and proteins, has announced the availability of two technical applications articles that demonstrate how technological advances are expanding the frontiers of macromolecular analysis by GPC.

Expanding Polymer & Protein characterisation capabilities ..

Viscotek, the leader in multiple detector characterisation of polymers and proteins, has announced the availability of two technical applications articles that demonstrate how technological advances are expanding the frontiers of macromolecular analysis by GPC.

The first article 'Low-Angle Light Scattering for molecular weight determinations by GPC/ SEC' looks at the background theory and illustrates how Viscotek's latest generation of low angle light scattering (LALS) detectors present a versatile and high performance way to overcome the limitations of conventional GPC. Unlike multi-angle light scattering techniques that can only determine molecular weight by extrapolation, the article demonstrates how LALS measures molecular weight directly and thus is inherently more accurate. Incorporating patented optical technology that will effectively operate at an angle of only 7 degrees Viscotek's LALS detector represents a major breakthrough in light scattering technology.

The second article investigates the use of Triple Detection GPC to characterise maltodextrins produced by the enzymatic degradation of starch. Because maltodextrins are derived from starch they are a mixture of both linear and branched molecules. This can lead to large errors if they are characterised by conventional GPC. The article shows how Triple Detection GPC, using refractive index, viscometric and LALS detectors in parallel, can clearly measure the differences in both structure and weight for three maltodextrins with similar overall bulk viscosities but very different end-use properties. Using the Viscotek Triple Detection GPC system, the article illustrates how MW's can be accurately determined by LALS and valuable structure and size information gained from the viscosity detector.

For copies of either of these technical articles please contact Viscotek Europe.

CONTACTS:

European HQ Viscotek Europe Ltd. Chapel House Kingsclere Road Basingstoke Hampshire RG21 6UG UK Tel: + 44 1256 473000 Email: r.campbell@viscotek-europe.com Web www.viscotek.com