Acquisition of SEC-mals for investigations in molecular assembly and characterization of polymeric macromolecules, nanoparticles, and bioassemblies - modified project summary/abstract section this…

The National Institute of General Medical Sciences awarded the University of Texas at Tyler $250,000 on July 1, 2026, under the Biomedical Research and Research Training program (CFDA 93.859) to acquire a Wyatt DAWN 8 multi-angle light scattering system coupled with size exclusion chromatography (SEC-MALS). The instrument enables measurement of molar mass, hydrodynamic radius, aggregation state, and sample heterogeneity in biomolecules and nanoparticles.

The SEC-MALS system will support biomedical research across multiple departments at UT Tyler, including chemistry, biology, pharmacy, and the School of Medicine. The instrument will also enhance undergraduate training in biochemistry, organic, and polymer chemistry laboratories, preparing students for careers in medicine and health-related fields. The university intends to eliminate reliance on external facilities for advanced characterization work, accelerate research timelines, and improve hands-on STEM and biomedical education. Plans extend access to the instrument to researchers at nearby institutions to maximize regional impact across East Texas.

Performance runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, with work performed in Tyler, Texas.

Acquisition of SEC-mals for investigations in molecular assembly and characterization of polymeric macromolecules, nanoparticles, and bioassemblies - modified project summary/abstract section this proposal requests funding for a wyatt dawn 8 multi-angle light scattering (mals) system coupled with size exclusion chromatography (SEC), referred to as SEC-mals. The SEC-mals system enables the measurements of molar mass, hydrodynamic radius, aggregation state, and sample heterogeneity of biomolecules and nanoparticles. The SEC-mals system will support research with a biomedical focus in multiple departments, including chemistry, biology, pharmacy, and the school of medicine. In addition to supporting research, the instrument will enhance undergraduate training in biochemistry, organic, and polymer chemistry labs, aiding student training for careers in medicine and human related health fields. The long-term goal of this proposal is to build research and educational capacity at UT tyler by enabling in-house access to advanced characterization tools. The SEC-mals will eliminate reliance on external facilities, accelerate research, and improve hands-on student learning in stem and biomedical fields. Plans are in place to extend access to researchers at nearby institutions, maximizing the instrument's regional impact across east texas.