THERMODYNAMICS AND ELECTROCHEMISTRY LABORATORY – IC CATANIA

The thermodynamics and electrochemistry laboratory is equipped for structural and functional characterization studies on biomolecules. Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) are powerful analytical techniques for in-depth characterization of molecular binding events and structural stability. Through the DSC it is possible to study the structural stability profiles of biological macromolecules, artificial membranes, revealing their strengths and weaknesses in the structure. Through the ITC it is possible to have a complete thermodynamic characterization of the interactions between macromolecules. Metrohm Autolab, a modular potentiometer / galvanostat coupled to a titrator allows to determine the redox potential and to perform potentiometric titrations for the study of equilibria in solution of metals complexes as a function of pH. Potentiometric titrations allow the characterization of the acid-base features of the ligands as well as the measurements of the binding ability towards several metals, such as copper(II) and zinc(II). Therefore, the distribution of the complex species as function of the pH value can be assessed.
The knowledge of the voltammetric behavior of the complex species shed light on the features of the electrochemical process occurring in solution (reduction, oxidation, reversibility) and the capability of the complex species to act as oxidizing/reductant.

N.1 Differential Scanning Calorimetry (Nano-DSC) TA

N.1 Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (Nano-ITC) TA

N.1 Metrohm Autolab PGSTAT 128N potentiostat-galvanostat coupled to a  Titrator Metrohm Titrando 905 : The titrator coupled with Metrohm Autolab PGSTAT 128N potentiostat-galvanostat allows to determine the redox potentials of metal complex species as a function of the pH. At the same time potentiometric titrations can be performed using a combined glass-Ag/AgCl electrode. The titrator can operate on two different cells simultaneously.

Name and Surname : DANILO MILARDI

Sede: IC-CNR  Via Paolo Gaifami 9, 95126 Catania (CT)

Tel: +39 0957338438

Mail:  danilo.milardiATcnr.it

Name and Surname : VALERIA ZITO

Sede: IC-CNR  Via Paolo Gaifami 9, 95126 Catania (CT)

Tel: +39 0957338431

Mail:  valeriamariavincenza.zitoATcnr.it