TA Instruments Nano ITC Series, Nano ITC 5301, Nano ITC 5300, Nano ITC 5302 Getting Started Manual

Nano Isothermal

Titration Calorimeter

(Nano ITC)

Getting Started Guide for

Models 5300, 5301, 5302

Revision F Issued February 2011

Notice

The material contained in this manual, and in the online help for the software used to support this instru­ment, is believed adequate for the intended use of the instrument. If the instrument or procedures are used
for purposes other than those specified herein, confirmation of their suitability must be obtained from TA
Instruments. Otherwise, TA Instruments does not guarantee any results and assumes no obligation or liabil­ity. TA Instruments also reserves the right to revise this document and to make changes without notice.

TA Instruments may have patents, patent applications, trademarks, copyrights, or other intellectual prop­erty covering subject matter in this document. Except as expressly provided in written license agreement
from TA Instruments, the furnishing of this document does not give you any license to these patents, trade­marks, copyrights, or other intellectual property.

TA Instruments Operating Software, as well as Module, Data Analysis, and Utility Software and their asso­ciated manuals and online help, are proprietary and copyrighted by TA Instruments. Purchasers are granted
a license to use these software programs on the module and controller with which they were purchased.
These programs may not be duplicated by the purchaser without the prior written consent of TA Instru­ments. Each licensed program shall remain the exclusive property of TA Instruments, and no rights or
licenses are granted to the purchaser other than as specified above.

TA Instruments can accept no liability for loss or damage, however caused, arising from the faulty or
incorrect use of its products.TA Instruments shall not be liable for any damages caused by interactions
between exogenous materials (e.g. chemicals) and parts of the instrument. This includes interactions of
gaseous, liquid or solid materials with, for instance, ampoule surfaces and/or parts of the instrument. It also
includes gases or vapors leaking from ampoules (e.g. originating from chemical reactions producing
gaseous substances), with subsequent cause of damage to the instrument.

©2011 by
TA Instruments — Waters LLC
159 Lukens Drive
New Castle, DE 19720

Page 2 Nano ITC Getting Started Guide

Introduction

Important: TA Instruments Manual Supplement

Please click the TA Manual Supplement link to access the following important information
supplemental to this Getting Started Guide:

• TA Instruments Trademarks

• TA Instruments Patents

• Other Trademarks

• TA Instruments End-User License Agreement

• TA Instruments Offices

Nano ITC Getting Started Guide Page 3

Notes, Cautions, and Warnings



This manual uses NOTES, CAUTIONS, and WARNINGS to emphasize important and critical
instructions. In the body of the manual these may be found in the shaded box on the outside of the page.

NOTE: A NOTE highlights important information about equipment or procedures.

CAUTION: A CAUTION emphasizes a procedure that may damage equipment or cause loss of data if not
followed correctly.

A WARNING indicates a procedure that may be hazardous to the operator or to the
environment if not followed correctly.

Regulatory Compliance

Safety Standards

EMC Directive

This instrument has been tested to meet the European Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC
Directive, 2004/108/EC). The Declaration of Conformity for your instrument lists the specific standards to
which the unit was tested.

The instrument was designed specifically as a test and measuring device. Compliance to the EMC directive
is through IEC 61326-1 Electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use - EMC require­ments (1998).

As noted in the IEC 61326-1, the instrument can have varying configurations. Emissions may, in non-typi­cal applications, exceed the levels required by the standard. It is not practical to test all configurations, as
the manufacturer has no control over the user application of the instrument.

Immunity Testing

The instrument was tested to the requirements for laboratory locations.

Emission Testing

The instrument fulfills the limit requirements for Class A equipment but does not fulfill the limit
requirements for Class B equipment. The instrument was not designated to be used in domestic
establishments.

Page 4 Nano ITC Getting Started Guide

Low Voltage Directive (Safety)

In order to comply with the European Low Voltage Directive (2006/95/EC), this equipment has been
designed to meet IEC 1010-1 (EN 61010-1) standards. To comply with requirements in the USA, this
instrument has been tested to the requirements of UL61010a-1.

WARNING: If this instrument is used in a manner not intended or specified in this manual, the
protection provided by the instrument may be impaired.

DANGER: High voltages are present in this instrument. Maintenance and repair of
internal parts must be performed only by TA Instruments or other qualified service
personnel.

Safety

High voltages are present in this instrument. Maintenance and repair of internal parts must be performed
only by TA Instruments or other qualified service personnel.

Electrical Safety

You must unplug the instrument before doing any maintenance or repair work; voltages as high as
125/250 VAC are present in this system.

Lifting the Instrument

The Nano ITC is not a portable instrument. In order to avoid injury, particularly to the back, please follow
this advice:

WARNING: Use appropriate care when unpacking or moving the instrument. It may be too
heavy for some individuals working alone to handle safely.

Nano ITC Getting Started Guide Page 5

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Page 6 Nano ITC Getting Started Guide

Table of Contents

Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 3

Important: TA Instruments Manual Supplement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Notes, Cautions, and Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Regulatory Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Safety Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Electrical Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Lifting the Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Chapter 1:

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Instrument Models Covered in this Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

The Nano Isothermal Titration Calorimeter (ITC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

System Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Measuring Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Reaction Vessel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Syringe/Stirrer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Buret Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Options and Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Instrument Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Chapter 2:

Unpacking/Repacking the Nano ITC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Introducing the Nano ITC .............................................................................................. 9

Batch/Incremental Titration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Titration/Data Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Calculation of Equilibrium Constants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Installing the Nano ITC ................................................................................................ 17

Installing the Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Inspecting the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Choosing a Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Near . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Away from . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Power Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Setting Up the Nano ITC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Connecting the Cables and Cords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Starting the Nano ITC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Shutting Down the Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Nano ITC Getting Started Guide Page 7

Chapter 3:

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Calibrating Chemicals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Heat of Protonation of Tris Base . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Experiment Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Preparing and Degassing the Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Degassing Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Preparing the Sample and Reference Cells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Loading the Buret . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Installing the Buret Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Starting the Experiment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Cleaning the Nano ITC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Analyzing the Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Maintaining the Nano ITC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Purging the Nano ITC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Use, Maintenance, & Diagnostics ................................................................................ 23

Sample Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Experiment Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Troubleshooting the Nano ITC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Minimizing Blank Corrections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Operating at Non-Ambient Temperatures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Stirring Speeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Stable Instrument Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

Appendix A:

Index ................................................................................................................................................... 43

Buret Position Functions ........................................................................................... 41

Page 8 Nano ITC Getting Started Guide

Chapter: 1

Introducing the Nano ITC

Overview

There are three ways in which a calorimeter may be designed. Heat measurements may be based on the
following:

• A temperature rise measured in a system of known heat capacity, (ΔT)

• The measured change in power (typically resistance heating) required to maintain a system at a
constant temperature (power compensation), and

• A direct measure of the heat flowing between the system and large heat sink maintained at a constant
temperature (heat flow)

Each method (ΔT, power compensation, and heat flow) has its advantages and disadvantages. The TA
Instruments Nano Isothermal Titration Calorimeter (ITC) uses a differential power compensation design
for maximum sensitivity and responsiveness.

The Nano ITC is available in three configurations: the Standard Volume model with 1-mL measurement

®

cells made of either 24K gold or Hastelloy

Standard Volume ITCs shipped before September 2009 were labeled “Nano ITC
incorporates second generation technology featuring enhanced baseline stability and increased sensitivity.

alloy, and the Low Volume model with 190-µL gold cells.

2G

”. The Nano ITC

Instrument Models Covered in this Guide

This guide covers Nano ITC instrument models 5300, 5301, and 5302.

Nano ITC Getting Started Guide Page 9

The Nano Isothermal Titration Calorimeter (ITC)

Buret assembly

The Nano ITC (shown in the figure below) consists of the measuring unit (calorimeter block and two non­removable reaction vessels), the buret assembly, which includes the stirring system, and a cleaning acces­sory. With the exception of the power on/off switch located on the back of the calorimeter unit, all func­tions of the Nano ITC are controlled remotely by the computer through the USB connection.

2G

Figure 1 Nano ITC

.

Applications

Batch/Incremental Titration

In incremental or continuous titration, one of the reactants is placed in a syringe or buret external to the
reaction vessel. If individual, repeated injections are made, incremental titration takes place (as seen in the
example below); if only one injection is made, it is continuous injection calorimetry.

Figure 2 Incremental titrations.

Page 10 Nano ITC Getting Started Guide

The baseline data, i.e. heat flow in the regions before and after each titrant pulse, shows the power required

A

B

to maintain a zero temperature difference between the sample and reference cells.

The baseline in this region is a function of heating by stirring. The baseline is used to calculate the area or
the heat from each pulse in the reaction vessel during the titration or batch reaction. The thermogram
constructed from the integrated peak areas is then used for data analysis.

Titration/Data Analysis

A single titration calorimetric experiment yields heat data as a function of the ratio of the concentrations of
the reactants. Titration data, in the form of heat change versus volume of titrant added, can be examined for
both analytical (thermometric titrimetry) and thermodynamic (titration calorimetry) information.

Other corrections must be made to the heat data to account for heat effects associated with titrant dilution
and any temperature difference between titrant and titrate solutions. These corrections are most easily
accomplished by performing a blank titration experiment and subtracting the blank heat data from the
experimental thermogram.

In the case of quantitative reaction of added titrant, the analysis of the thermogram is quite simple. All
peak areas will be the same (with the possible exception of the last peak) and ΔH calculated from the incre­mental heat and the number of moles of titrant added per increment. The titrant concentration is calculated
from the total heat divided by the ΔH for the reaction.

Calculation of Equilibrium Constants

The equilibrium constant for a given reaction may be simultaneously determined with the enthalpy change,
if the magnitudes of K and ΔH for the overall reaction taking place in the calorimeter are within certain
limits. The family of curves presented in the figure below shows that increased overall curvature of the
thermogram is generated with decreasing values of the association constant, K

eq

.

Figure A below shows the effects of varying magnitudes of the enthalpy change ΔH. Figure B shows the
effects of varying the equilibrium constant K.

Figure 3 Calculation of equilibrium constants.

Nano ITC Getting Started Guide Page 11

System Components

TED-controlled
block

Thermal
shield

Reference
cell

Sample cell

Control heater

DT

• Nano Isothermal Titration Calorimeter

• Personal computer (optionally available from TA Instruments)

• ITCRun and NanoAnalyze software

• Power cord

• Getting Started Guide (this manual)

• Data Collection and Analysis Software

• 1 each 2.5-mL filling syringe with 16-gauge, 8-inch long needle (Standard Volume ITC)

• 1 each 0.5-mL filling syringe with 16-gauge, 8-inch long needle (Low Volume ITC)

• 1 each 100-µL and 250-µL syringes (with Nano ITC Standard Volume)

• 1 each 50-µL syringe (with Nano ITC Low Volume)

• 1 each buret drive

• USB cable

The components that make up the Nano ITC system are briefly described in the following sections.

Measuring Unit

The measuring unit includes the calorimeter block and two non-removable reaction vessels (sample and
reference cells). Access tubes extend downward from inside the buret mounting cavity on the top of the
calorimeter. The access tubes serve as conduits for the filling syringe, titrant delivery, and reference needle.
They also provide for titrant equilibration and as a thermal barrier to the environment outside the
calorimeter.

Figure 4 Nano ITC measuring unit.

The Nano ITC utilizes a differential power compensation design. Semiconducting thermoelectric devices
(TED) are used for temperature control and to detect temperature differences between the sample and

Page 12 Nano ITC Getting Started Guide

reference cells. A proportional/integral/derivative (PID) control loop uses a control heater on the sample

Platinum

Access Tube

Teflon Bushings on
Needle to Dampen
Stirring Noise

24K Gold
Reaction Vessel

Titrant Delivery
Needle

Stir Paddle

Titrant Exit Point

cell to maintain a zero temperature difference between the sample and reference cells. The power required
to maintain this zero difference is used as the calorimeter signal and is monitored as a function of time. If a
reaction that produces heat occurs in the sample cell, the heat required to maintain the zero difference
decreases by the amount of heat supplied by the reaction, resulting in a peak in the thermogram.

A calibration heater located on the outside of the sample cell is used to provide precisely controlled heat
pulses for electrical calibrations, and to verify instrument performance.

The entire measuring unit is encased within an insulated air-tight canister which has been purged on a vac­uum pump and filled with dry nitrogen at the factory. This is to prevent possible condensation and
evaporation of moisture around the unit which would create excessive baseline noise.

CAUTION: The purge port valve on the back of the Nano ITC should remain in the closed posi­tion at all times to maintain the integrity of the nitrogen purge.

NOTE: Purging of the canister is not a routine maintenance operation; contact TA Instruments before
proceeding.

Reaction Vessel

The calorimeter uses two matched reaction vessels with options of 1-mL gold, 190-µL gold, or

®

1-mL Hastelloy
match as closely as possible the thermal properties of the sample cell. Accordingly, a reference needle is
placed inside the reference cell during operation to correspond to the titrant needle in the sample cell.

. The vessels are accessed through platinum tubes. The reference cell is constructed to

Figure 5 Sample cell assembly.

CAUTION: Extreme care should be taken not to bend the syringe needle, because this would
impair proper stirring and possibly damage the reaction vessel.

Nano ITC Getting Started Guide Page 13

Syringe/Stirrer

Plunger position
indicator

Buret handle

Syringe plunger

Rotating buret
shaft

Graduated
syringe barrel

Knurled syringe
mounting knob

Reference cell
with reference
needle

Sample cell
with syringe
needle/stirrer

Nano ITC Standard Volume systems include two syringes of 100 and 250 µL capacities. Two buret
syringes are provided with 100 µL and 250 µL capacities. The only difference in dimension between the
two is the inner diameter of the syringe barrel; the needles are identical in order to maintain the thermal
and mechanical properties.

The Nano ITC Low Volume system includes one 50-µL syringe. This syringe uses a shorter needle. To
avoid possible damage, do not use the larger syringes with the Low Volume ITC. If you feel a stiff resis­tance or if the buret handle does not readily slip fully into place in the ITC, do not force it. Remove the
buret and check to see if the correct size syringe is installed. You can verify the feel of the normal
resistance by installing a buret with no syringe in place.

The titrant syringe needle also functions as the stirrer and extends down into the reaction vessel from the
top when the buret is mounted. The needle is balanced for optimum stirring efficiency. It has two Teflon
bushings to help dampen stirring noise and ensure that the needle spins true within the cell access tube (see
the figure below).

Figure 6 Orientation of buret, syringe, needles, and cells during experiments.

CAUTION: To avoid possible damage, do not use the 100 or 250 µL syringes with the Nano ITC
Low Volume instrument. Syringes are shipped with warning labels which may, if desired, be
affixed to the ITC by the customer to serve as a reminder.

Page 14 Nano ITC Getting Started Guide

Each syringe needle is equipped with a flattened, twisted paddle at the tip, which does the actual stirring of
the solutions in the cell. The stirring paddle spins clear of the sides of the reaction vessel. When stirring is
activated, the contents of the reaction vessel are stirred continuously until the end of the experiment or
until stirring is turned off.

Stirring is controlled by a stepping motor mounted inside the calorimeter. This type of motor is used
because of its very constant and adjustable speed. The motor drives the rotating shaft of the buret, which
holds the titrant syringe.

Buret Assembly

The buret accurately delivers the titrant to the reaction vessel at specified volumes and intervals. The
assembly also functions as the stirring mechanism for the reactants in the cell when the titrant syringe is
installed. The rotating shaft on the lower portion of the buret assembly holds the titration syringe in place,
and has two external o-rings which provide the friction necessary for the stir motor to rotate the shaft
during operation.

See online help for details on using the buret.

Options and Accessories

A degassing station is available to complement your Nano ITC instrument.

Nano ITC Getting Started Guide Page 15

Instrument Specifications

The table found below contains the technical specifications for the Nano ITC instrument.

Table 1: Nano ITC Technical Specifications

Item/Area Specifications

Dimensions Depth 38 cm (15 in.)

Width 37 cm (14 in.)
Height 32 cm (13 in.)

Weight 20 kg (43 lbs)

Power 100–240 VAC, 3 amps. 50–60 Hz

Operating environmental
conditions

Emissions class Class A

Temperature range 2 to 80°C

Injection interval 150 s minimum

Response time 15 s

Effective cell volume Standard Volume: 1.0 mL (24K gold or Hastelloy)

Sample volume range Standard Volume: 1200 to 1500 µL

Injection syringe capacity Standard Volume: 100 or 250 µL

Volume increment 0.114% of the total syringe capacity (0.06, 0.11, or 0.29 µL

Stirring rate 150 to 400 rpm

Temperature: 15 to 30°C
Relative Humidity: 5 to 80% (non-condensing)
Installation Category II
Pollution Degree 2
Maximum Altitude: 2500 m (8200 ft)

Low Volume: 190 µL

Low Volume: 300 to 700 µL

Low Volume: 50 µL

respectively for the 50, 100, and 250 µL syringes)

Page 16 Nano ITC Getting Started Guide

Chapter: 2

Installing the Nano ITC

Unpacking/Repacking the Nano ITC

WARNING: Do not attempt to unpack this instrument alone.

CAUTION: To avoid mistakes, read this entire chapter before you begin installation.

The instructions needed to unpack and repack the instrument are found as separate unpacking instructions
in the shipping box and in the online documentation associated with the instrument control software. You
may wish to retain all of the shipping hardware and boxes from the instrument in the event you wish to
repack and ship your instrument.

Installing the Instrument

Before shipment, the instrument is inspected both electrically and mechanically so that it is ready for oper­ation upon proper installation. Only limited instructions are given in this manual; consult the online
documentation for additional information. Installation involves the following procedures:

• Inspecting the system for shipping damage and missing parts

• Connecting the Nano ITC to the TA Instruments controller computer

• Connecting USB cables

It is recommended that you have your Nano ITC installed by a TA Instruments Service Representative; call
for an installation appointment when you receive your instrument.

Inspecting the System

When you receive your instrument, look over the instrument and shipping container carefully for signs of
shipping damage, and check the parts received against the enclosed shipping list.

• If the instrument is damaged, notify the carrier and TA Instruments immediately.

• If the instrument is intact but parts are missing, contact TA Instruments.

Nano ITC Getting Started Guide Page 17

Choosing a Location

It is important to choose a location for the instrument using the following guidelines. The Nano ITC should
be:

In

• a temperature- and humidity-controlled area. Temperatures should be in range 15 to 30°C.

• a clean, vibration-free environment, preferably on the ground floor in the building. It should be located
away from pumps, motors, or other devices which produce vibrations.

• an area with ample working and ventilation space. At least 18 by 18 inches is needed for the instru­ment. Additional space is needed for the computer and (if present) printer.

On

• a stable work surface.

Near

• a power outlet. See the “Power Requirements” section below.

• your TA Instruments computer.

Away from

• dusty environments.

• exposure to direct sunlight.

• direct air drafts (fans, room air ducts).

• poorly ventilated areas.

• noisy or mechanical vibrations.

• high traffic areas, where constant movements from passing personnel could create air currents or
mechanical disturbances.

Power Requirements

The Nano ITC requires a grounded, single-phase power source. A three-conductor line cord ensures a
safety ground. The operating voltage and line frequency were preset at the factory for 100–240 VAC,
50–60 Hz operation.

The Nano ITC and computer system should be plugged into the same surge suppressor. An isolated power
line (one that is used only for electrical type instruments with no motors, compressor or heaters) is recom­mended. Unstable power sources may also require the use of a power conditioner in order to obtain opti­mum performance from the Nano ITC.

NOTE: Use a power strip to run the instrument and computer from a common power source.

Page 18 Nano ITC Getting Started Guide

Setting Up the Nano ITC

Power cord

Power
switch

USB cable

When you have received your TA Instruments Nano ITC, follow these basic steps to set it up for use. For
detailed information refer to the sections that follow.

1 Unpack and inspect the instrument and all components.

2 Place the Nano ITC on a suitable bench with at least 18 by 18 inches of bench space for the instrument,

along with space for the computer system.

3 Use a power distribution strip with a voltage surge suppressor function to provide a single protected

power connection for all system components.

Note for IT personnel: Since the data control and collection software depends on accurate timings, it is
highly recommended to set the computer BIOS settings for performance rather than power savings. Some
computer manufacturers may have different names for this. For example, some Dell computers have a set­ting called “C-States” that includes the C1E setting, which should be disabled. Others may call it the
“Enhanced Halt State”. Other settings that should be disabled, if available, are EIST (Intel SpeedStep) and

AMD’s Cool‘n’Quiet. Set the Microsoft Windows
Savings. Disable automatic reboots in the Windows Update utility.

Connecting the Cables and Cords

NOTE: To choose a location for your instrument, see page 18 for guidelines.

®

power option to Performance instead of Power

Follow these steps to make the connections needed for the Nano ITC.

1 Make sure that the Nano ITC power switch is turned off.

2 Attach the power cord provided to the back of the Nano ITC. See the figure below. Do not plug the

instrument into a power source at this time.

3 Plug the loose USB cable into the back of the instrument.

4 Plug the power cord of the Nano ITC into a surge suppressor power strip. Do not turn equipment power

on at this time.

5 Connect the free end of the Nano ITC

USB cable into a free USB port on the external computer system.

6 Turn the computer power on and allow the system to boot up.

Figure 7 Rear of Nano ITC.

Nano ITC Getting Started Guide Page 19

Starting the Nano ITC

Power LED light

Once you have completely set up the calorimeter and computer system, you can start the instrument as
follows:

1 Turn on the surge suppressor power switch and the computer system and monitor.

2 Turn on the power switch to the calorimeter, which is located on the back panel. The front LED will

light up green when in the “on” position.

Figure 8 LED location on Nano ITC Low Volume instrument.

3 Start the ITCRun software on the computer. You are now ready to begin preparing to run an experiment.

Page 20 Nano ITC Getting Started Guide

Shutting Down the Instrument

You can leave the instrument and its associated components on when the Nano ITC will be inactive for
several days.

If the Nano ITC will be inactive for more than 5 days, we recommend that you first thoroughly clean, then
empty the cells and turn all equipment off. Exit the ITCRun software before switching off the
instrument power.

Nano ITC Getting Started Guide Page 21

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Page 22 Nano ITC Getting Started Guide

Chapter: 3

Use, Maintenance, & Diagnostics

Overview

A typical Nano ITC experiment involves the following:

• Preparing and degassing the solutions

• Preparing the sample and reference cells

• Mounting the buret

• Running the baseline

• Performing an analysis

• Cleaning the calorimeter

Each step is briefly described here. Additional information is provided in the online help supplied with the
software program. It is assumed that you are familiar with standard laboratory procedures and techniques.
It is critical that the Nano ITC cells be cleaned immediately at the end of each experiment. The calorimeter
can be left idle for up to two days with water-filled cells at 25°C, when not performing experiments. When
the instrument is expected to remain idle longer than five days, clean and empty the cells.

The Nano ITC can be calibrated using standardized chemical reactions. If suitable reagents are not
available, then as an alternate option perform the calibration using electrical pulses.

Nano ITC Getting Started Guide Page 23

Calibrating Chemicals

A chemical calibration tests all aspects of the instrument including the calibration constant, the cell vol­ume, and the injection volume. Heat is released in exactly the same location as occurs during sample titra­tions, and therefore is the preferred calibration method. (If chemical standards are not available, electrical
pulse calibrations are generally suitable as a second choice.)

There are several standard reactions which are often used in calibrating isothermal titration calorimeters
(see Brigner, L.-E. and Wadsö, I. [1991] Test and Calibration Processes for Microcalorimeters, with special
reference to heat conduction instruments used with aqueous systems J. Biochem. Biophys. Methods 22,
101-118.). Here we will describe one: protonation of Tris base (Tris[Hydroxymethyl] Aminomethane). The
Tris protonation experiment may be used to determine or verify the calibration factor value setting used in
the ITCRun software.

Heat of Protonation of Tris Base

Sample Preparation

It is very important to do a thorough degassing of the water to be used for making the solutions. Use the
lowest ionic content water that is available, such as what is produced by a point-of-use deionized water
system. Degas this water by boiling or stirring under vacuum for a minimum of 45 minutes. Do not degas
the prepared solutions, because this can result in the loss of sample. The solutions can be kept for a short
time in stoppered containers. Use nitrogen or argon to fill the head space in order to exclude ambient air
which contains carbon dioxide.

Prepare a solution of Tris base by dissolving approximately 0.24 g in 50 mL of distilled water. The solution
will be approximately 40 mM, but the exact concentration is not important, as it is well in excess.

A 1.00 mM HCl solution is most readily prepared by pipetting 10 mL of standardized 0.1N HCl into dis­tilled water and diluting to 1L in a volumetric flask. Alternatively, a standard solution of HCl can be pur­chased commercially or standardized by acid-base titration (see Skoog, D.A. and West, D.M. [1980]
Analytical Chemistry [Saunders College Publishing], p. 228 ff). Do not degas this solution.

Experiment Setup

Experiment Parameters

Syringe size 100 µL (50 µL syringe in the Nano ITC Low Volume)

Equilibration time 200 seconds (Hastelloy: 300–400 seconds)

Time between injections 200 seconds (Hastelloy: 400 seconds)

Injection size 5 µL

Number of injections 20 (10 in the Nano ITC Low Volume)

1 Rinse the calorimeter cell three times with the Tris solution and then load the cell. The reference cell

may be filled with degassed deionized water. Allow the cells to thermally equilibrate until the heat
reading on the calorimeter is stable.

2 Load the 100 µL syringe with the 1.00 mM HCl solution, making sure to remove any bubbles from the

syringe.

Page 24 Nano ITC Getting Started Guide

3 Wipe the needle with a tissue and then screw the syringe completely into the buret drive.

NOTE: Before inserting the syringe into the buret drive, verify that the plunger indicator on the graduated

handle is in the fully raised position. Otherwise, mount the buret on the Nano ITC without a syringe and
click the Buret up icon (green arrow pointing upwards).

4 Insert the syringe and buret drive into the Nano ITC.

5 Turn on the stirrer at 250 rpm and allow the system to re-equilibrate until the heat reading on the

calorimeter is stable.Then begin the experiment. Enter a file name at the prompt.

The results should be similar to those shown in the figure below.

Figure 9 Example of successful calibration.

Note that each peak has the same area except for the first. Typically the first injection shows less heat than
expected. This is often due to diffusion across the tip of the needle or to differences in positioning the buret
drive. For 5 µL injections of 1.00 mM HCl at 25°C, the expected heat is 237 µJ. The protonation enthalpy
in J/mol at any temperature between 5 and 50°C is given as:

∆H

protonation

= -49659 + 102.28T - 0.59275T

2

The calibration factor (C.F.) is calculated as follows:

C.F. = (Expected Heat / Measured Heat) x Existing Calibration Factor

Nano ITC Getting Started Guide Page 25

6 Calculate an average of the C.F. for several injection peaks. In the Settings screen (shown below), enter

the new calibration factor in the provided entry box. Calibration factors for the ITC always have a
negative sign.

Figure 10 Calibration factor location.

Page 26 Nano ITC Getting Started Guide

Preparing and Degassing the Solutions

Large sample molecules are often stored in buffer which will affect the final pH of the prepared solution.
Dialysis is the process used to equalize the solution characteristics while retaining the large molecules.
This step improves the experimental results by minimizing the enthalpies of dilution and neutralization.
Dialyze the samples in the buffer, when possible, to minimize blank effects. All solutions used in the
experiment (rinse buffer, sample titrant, and sample titrand) must be degassed prior to use. When preparing
solutions for use with the Nano ITC, any solutions containing buffers and macromolecules should be dia­lyzed before use, if possible. This is a standard process that is used to equalize the pH and concentration
between the sample titrant and the sample titrand.

Follow these steps to prepare the solutions:

1 Prepare a large amount of buffer as appropriate for the experiment (add the appropriate type and amount

of salts). This buffer will be used as material for formulation of the titrant and titrand solutions, and in
their dialysis.

2 Formulate solutions of any large-molecule sample compounds at this time using the buffer solution.

(Small-molecule sample compounds will be made up in a following step.)

3 Dialyze the solution(s) inside the remaining buffer. Place the sample in a dialysis bag and suspend it

inside the buffer solution. Gently stir the buffer for several hours to aid in the equalization of pH and
the concentrations of electrolytes. Temperature-sensitive samples may need to remain chilled during
this process.

4 Small molecule samples are prepared at this time using the dialyzed buffer. Do not dialyze this solution.

5 Retain 50–300 mL of the dialyzed buffer for use later in cell rinsing and for optional blank experiments.

Degassing Solutions

Typically, if a solution is heated, gas bubbles will form as the solubility of dissolved gases (e.g., O2 and
N

) is decreased with increasing temperature. If gas bubble formation occurs in the ITC cells during the

2

run, the resulting data will be rather noisy since abrupt changes will result from the bubble-driven liquid
displacement effects.

All solvents must be degassed prior to being placed in the ITC to minimize the possibility of gas bubble
formation during the run. Pull a vacuum of 0.3–0.5 atm on the solutions for a period of 10–15 min to degas
a sample.

An accessory degassing system is available from TA Instruments.

Nano ITC Getting Started Guide Page 27

Preparing the Sample and Reference Cells

The sample cell (also referred to the reaction vessel) contains the titrant that will be used for your experi­ment. The reference cell typically contains pure solvent (water in the case of aqueous sample solutions).
For more information on the vessels, see Chapter 1.

Follow the instructions below to prepare the sample cells:

1 Use the filling syringe (shown in the figure below) to flush the sample cell several times with the same

buffer solution in which the sample is prepared.

Figure 11 Filling syringe.

2 After flushing, remove all of the buffer, and slowly load the sample into the sample cell (middle access

tube) inside the Nano ITC to allow air bubbles to evacuate through the top of the cell.

a When liquid is just visible at the opening of the access tube, continue to gently inject, while slowly

withdrawing it from the cell. This will maintain the fill level and prevent new bubbles from being
introduced into the cell (see the next figure). When using aqueous solutions, the reference cell (right
side access tube) should be filled with water. The minimum fill levels are 300 µL for the Low Volume
ITC, and 1200 µL for the Standard Volume ITC. These fluid levels will rise high enough to lubricate
the Teflon bushings on the syringe needle and to provide a thermal path, but they will not reach to
tops of the access tubes. Use the same fill volumes for the sample and the reference cells.

Page 28 Nano ITC Getting Started Guide

Figure 12 Side view of sample cell and access tube.

Conical overflow
reservoir - holds
excess liquid as
titrant is added

Fill level

b Make sure that the reference needle is inserted into the reference cell access tube after filling (see

the figure below). The liquid should be just visible at the bottom of the conical overflow reservoir
when the cell is filled.

Figure 13 Sample (center) and reference (right) cell access tubes.

3 Load the 100 µL syringe with the titrant, taking care to remove any bubbles from the barrel of the syringe,

but leaving a small, 5 to 10 µL air gap between the plunger tip and the liquid in the barrel. Leaving an
air gap is a critical step needed to prevent signal distortion. Fill the syringe to a slight excess, 2 or
3 mm beyond the highest gradation of the barrel.

CAUTION: The signal can include overly large blank effects if there is no air gap to serve as a
cushion at the plunger tip

Nano ITC Getting Started Guide Page 29

Figure 14 Syringe with air gap.

Loading the Buret

NOTE: Removal of the buret from the calorimeter is the reverse of this process.

When the syringe is filled with titrant, follow the instructions in this section to load the buret.

The top portion of the buret handle displays a graduated scale with an indicator showing the relative posi­tion of the syringe plunger during an experiment. The indicator must be in the fully raised position before
installing a loaded syringe into the buret.

1 Insert the plunger and barrel carefully into the rotating shaft of the buret assembly. (See the figure below.)

Figure 15 Plunger and barrel.

CAUTION: To avoid possible damage, do not use the 100 or 250 µL syringes with the Nano ITC
Low Volume instrument.

Page 30 Nano ITC Getting Started Guide

2 Partially-filled syringes can be loaded into the Nano ITC using the following process:

a Fill the syringe to a small amount greater than the starting volume. The excess volume will be

displaced when the syringe is loaded into the buret handle.

b Preset the buret handle to the desired starting volume. Refer to the Appendix for more details on the

buret setting functions.

c Install the syringe into the buret handle, and use a lint-free lab tissue to blot and remove the excess

fluid that is expelled from the syringe tip.

d Install the buret handle with the syringe into the Nano ITC.

3 Hold the rotating shaft on the buret securely in one hand. Use the knurled knob at the base of the syringe

barrel to finger-tighten the syringe into place with the other hand. A small droplet will appear at the tip
of the syringe.

Figure 16 Tightening the syringe into place.

4 Wipe any excess titrant from the needle along the exterior of the barrel and the tip.

Installing the Buret Assembly

The bell-shaped upper portion of the buret assembly has three notched key slots for correct orientation in
the instrument. Install the buret as follows:

1 Guide the shaft carefully, needle first, into the top opening of the calorimeter (see the figure below).

Make sure the key slots line up with the three locking posts located in the mounting ring at the top. Turn

Nano ITC Getting Started Guide Page 31

the plastic barrel gently during insertion to help the needle tip self-center in the sample access tube.

Figure 17 Inserting the buret into the calorimeter.

2 Gently push the buret handle downward and rotate it slightly clockwise to secure the buret in place. If

the buret handle does not easily slip fully into place into the Low Volume ITC, an incompatible
syringe may be in place. Do not attempt to force the buret downward or damage may occur. Remove
the buret handle and check the syringe type.

Drop the buret down slowly to allow enough time for the syringe needle to come into thermal equilibration
before it enters the sample cell. The System tab in the ITCRun software can be used to monitor this
thermal settling process.

When the buret is installed properly, the graduations will be facing directly forward. Circular contact
boards at the buret/calorimeter interface provide electrical power to the buret and enable the functional
control necessary to perform a titration.

Starting the Experiment

Once the loaded buret assembly is installed, you can proceed as follows:

1 Turn on the stirrer at an appropriate speed. For instruments with gold cells, this is typically in the range

of 250–400 rpm. Hastelloy cell instruments typically use 150–200 rpm.

2 Allow the system to re-equilibrate until the calorimeter heat reading is stable.

3 Set up the parameters for the particular experiment of interest using the ITCRun program under the

Setup tab (see the online help for details).

4 Use the provided data entry fields for syringe and cell concentrations. There is a comment field that can

be used to identify the sample chemicals, temperature, stirring speed, etc. This information will be visible
when the data is loaded into NanoAnalyze software.

5 Wait until a stable baseline is evident. (ITCRun™ software includes an optional equilibration detection

function which automatically starts the experiment when the desired signal stability has been established.)
Then click Experiment > Start or click the Go icon at the top of the toolbar to start the experiment.

6 Enter a filename when prompted. The program indicator on the Setup tab will be red when the program

is active. You will be able to watch the progress of the experiment under the Monitor tab or the Data tab.

7 The titration data is automatically saved to disk at the conclusion of the experiment.

8 Evaluate the data using the NanoAnalyze software package. (See the online help for information.)

Page 32 Nano ITC Getting Started Guide

Cleaning the Nano ITC

A scrupulously clean sample cell is essential in order to obtain meaningful titration data. Because the reac­tion vessel is non-removable, the filling syringe may be used to repeatedly flush the cell. When a more rig­orous cleaning is needed, the cleaning adapter (see the figure below) allows you to easily flush large
volumes of fluid through the cell. The Nano ITC Low Volume instrument is shipped with a cleaning tool
that features a shorter needle. In both the Low Volume and Standard Volume ITC instruments, inadequate
cleaning will result if the incorrect cleaning tools are used.

Figure 18 Cleaning adapter

The cell should be cleaned immediately following an experiment, then rinsed with buffer to condition it for
the next experiment. Fill the cells with pure deionized water between experiments to prevent contamina­tion from drying the cell walls.

The cleaning tool is used as follows:

1 Ensure that the instrument temperature is adjusted to near ambient temperatures (20–30°C) before starting

the cleaning process.

2 Remove the buret assembly and syringe from the top opening of the Nano ITC, and withdraw the cell

contents using the filling syringe.

3 Carefully lower the shaft into the cell opening.

4 Connect the length of 1/16-inch I.D. Manosil silicone rubber tubing provided to the side port of the

cleaning tool, as seen in the figure below.

Figure 19 Tubing connected to cleaning tool.

5 Place the free end of this tube in a beaker of clean deionized or distilled water.

6 Connect another length of tubing to the top port leading to a vacuum flask which is connected to a

vacuum pump or the degassing station, set for cleaning.

7 Apply a vacuum to draw the water through the system and flush the cell.

Nano ITC Getting Started Guide Page 33

Water outlet

Water inlet

Dashed arrows indicate
flow direction of water.

Conical overflow
reservoir/silicone
vacuum cup

Flushing Needle/
Water Outlet

to vacuum
flask

Water is drawn into the side port inlet and down the length of the outer sleeve where it exits near the top of
the cell. The water then flows down the walls of the access tube and cell toward the needle opening located
near the bottom of the cell. Flow continues upward to the outlet at the top of the tool and out to the vacuum
flask.

The figure below shows the flow of water through the apparatus.

Note that the cleaning tool for the Nano ITC Low Volume instrument is shorter. Use only the correct tool
for each instrument type to ensure proper operation.

Figure 20 Side view of cleaning tool in sample cell.

Page 34 Nano ITC Getting Started Guide

CAUTION: Always use proper protective equipment when working with samples and cleaning
fluids.

CAUTION: Thoroughly rinse all areas that come into contact with corrosive chemicals.

CAUTION: All rinsing or flushing operations should be done with the cleaning devices described
beginning on page 33. Caustic solutions should be loaded and removed with the appropriate
syringe or micropipette.

Soapy Water Flush

1 Exit from the ITCRun software. (This must be done whenever you pass large volumes of solutions

through the Nano ITC.)

2 Flush or aspirate 100 mL of dilute aqueous detergent solution (e.g. SDS) through the cells. Make sure

to use a detergent that does not leave any residue.

Final Flush

Flush or aspirate 1 L of deionized water through each cell.

Nano ITC Getting Started Guide Page 35

Analyzing the Data

The following software programs are available for use with the Nano ITC. The table below outlines the
usage for each. For more details on these programs, see the online help.

Table 2: Nano ITC Programs & Functions

Program Functions

ITCRun This program controls the operation of the

Nano ITC and is used for data acquisition.
The main components are:

• Experiment Settings

• Instrument Control

• Main Menu Functions

• Buret Menu

•Feature Tabs

• Monitor Tabs

• Data Tab

NanoAnalyze • Quick, easy integration of heat rate data

from Isothermal Titration Calorimeters

• Graphing of both Cumulative and Peak
heats

• Correction for heat of dilution and blank
effects

• Editing of individual data points

• Data import and export to other software
programs

• “Copy and Paste” graphs to other
Windows-based programs

• Creation of BindWorks compatible data
files

• Creation of comparison graphs using the
overlay feature

Page 36 Nano ITC Getting Started Guide

Maintaining the Nano ITC

Maintaining the Nano ITC consists of purging the instrument, cleaning the filter, lubricating the o-ring, and
thoroughly cleaning the cells. This section provides information on these procedures.

Purging the Nano ITC

The Nano ITC features a sealed, nitrogen-filled canister surrounding the measurement cells in order to
ensure stable operation. If baselines become unstable, it may be necessary to contact TA Instruments for
service. Check for stability by operating the Nano ITC near ambient temperature, with the cells filled with
degassed water. Stirring should be switched off and the instrument allowed to settle. The peak-to-peak
noise amplitude of the baseline signal should be approximately 0.3 µWatts over a period of 10 minutes
(exclusive of any drift that may be occurring).

Important Note: The canister has been vacuum-purged and back-filled with dry nitrogen gas at the factory
before shipment, and will only very rarely be required again in the field. Contact TA Instruments for
service if the instrument does not maintain a stable signal as described above.

Nano ITC Getting Started Guide Page 37

Troubleshooting the Nano ITC

Minimizing Blank Corrections

There will always be blank corrections for experiments. However, minimizing the blank correction can
greatly improve the experimental results. Even when injecting water into water there will be some heat
produced due to viscous mixing. The viscous mixing heat is determined by many factors.

There are several steps that can be taken in order to minimize the dilution heats and hence the need for
blank titrations. Ligand (titrant) solution should always be made up in the same dialysis buffer used for the
protein (titrand). If the ligand is also a protein, it should be dialyzed in the same buffer. Less concentrated
solutions also have lower dilution heats and should be used when possible.

Operating at Non-Ambient Temperatures

The Nano ITC is designed to perform over a wide temperature range. When you use the instrument at tem­peratures other than ambient, it is important to allow adequate time between injections for the titrant to
equilibrate to the calorimeter temperature before injection. Thorough degassing of the titrant is especially
important when operating above the ambient temperature. The optimal stirring speed (see below) may
change at different sample temperatures.

Stirring Speeds

Adequate stirring is required in order to have rapid mixing of the titrant upon injection, but excessive stir­ring will result in noisy baselines. Generally, a stirring speed of 250 to 400 rpm is appropriate for instru­ments made with gold sample and reference cells. In Hastelloy cell instruments, the best results are often
obtained with stirring speeds of 150–200 rpm. Higher speeds generally result in higher noise levels in the
baseline. In Hastelloy instruments, an additional sign of excessive speed is when the baseline contains a
ripple-like periodic variation.

On the other hand, stirring too slowly may result in broad titration peaks that require longer intervals
between injections. Reactions that have higher enthalpies can be run at faster stirring speeds, which then
allow shorter injection intervals. The best stirring speed will be a tradeoff between those various factors.

Page 38 Nano ITC Getting Started Guide

Stable Instrument Operation

It is important to monitor the operating behavior of the Nano ITC in order to be able to recognize unusual
behavior that indicates abnormal conditions. The following guidelines are typical of normal operation.

The following table lists typical ranges of variation when the cells have been filled with degassed
deoinized water and allowed to settle with the syringe and reference needles in place, with room tempera­ture controlled to within +/- 1 °C.

Table 3: Typical Values of System Variables During Steady Operating Conditions

ITC Run Tab Signal Typical Values

Monitor Heat rate (ITC) Variation < 0.02 µWatt (stirring off)

Monitor Heat rate (earlier ITC model) Variation < 0.2 µWatt (stirring off)

System Cell block temp (ITC) Variation < 0.000040°C

System Compensation (V) (ITC) ± 0.0004 V (stirring 200 rpm or less)

Nano ITC Getting Started Guide Page 39

This page is intentionally blank.

Page 40 Nano ITC Getting Started Guide

Appendix: A

Buret Position Functions

ITCRun Software versions 1.8.7 and later include a new buret position reporting function. The buret can be
preset to any position from 0 to 100% of the syringe capacity. The positioning can be performed either via
a percent of the full stroke or directly in microliters.

Click Home Reset:

The desired buret position can be entered directly in µL. (In the case if the Standard Volume ITC, be sure to
set the correct syringe capacity in the Setup tab). Enter the desired position in terms of µL and click Move.
The buret position field at the top of the ITCRun screen updates with the current position of the buret drive.

Nano ITC Getting Started Guide Page 41

As an alternative, the desired position can be entered as a percent of the full capacity.

In order to ensure that the reported position of the buret drive matches the actual position, a new Home
Reset function has been added. This moves the buret drive all the way to the bottom of the stroke in order
to find a home reference, then moves the drive upwards by exactly the length of the syringe stroke. Follow
the instructions on the screen, paying particular attention to removing the syringe from the buret handle
before proceeding.

Click Home Reset to start the Home Reset process:

If the syringe is present in the buret drive and it contains a sample, note that the motions will empty the
syringe. To avoid losing the sample, remove the buret handle from the Nano ITC, remove the syringe, then
replace the buret handle. Then click the OK.

After the buret drive stops moving, it will be located at the top position and the buret position will be
reported as 100% on the top of the Nano ITC screen.

Page 42 Nano ITC Getting Started Guide

A

access tube 28, 29

accessories 15

B

baseline 32

blank corrections 38

buret 30, 33

installing 31
loading 30
position markers 41
removal 30

C

Index

cautions 4

cell

cleaning 33

cells

flushing 28

cleaning 33

adapter 33

conical overflow reservoir 29

contamination 33

D

deionized water 33, 35

E

electrical safety 5

electromagnetic compatibility standards 4

experiment

starting 32

Nano ITC Getting Started Guide Page 43

F

filename 32

flushing cells 28

H

heat reading 32

I

instrument

choosing a location 18
components 12
inspecting 17
installing 17
lifting 5
maintenance 37
purging 37
shut down 21
starting 20
unpacking

repacking 17

instrument symbols 5

ITCRun 32, 36

L

license agreement 3

ligand 38

M

maintaining instrument 37

N

Nano ITC

technical specifications 16

notes 4

O

options 15

Page 44 Nano ITC Getting Started Guide

P

patents 3

preparing solutions 27

purging the instrument 37

R

Regulatory Compliance 4

regulatory compliance 4

S

safety 5

electrical 5
instrument symbols 5

Safety Standards 4

safety standards 4

sample cell

cleaning 33

set up

connecting cables and cords 19

shut down 21

solutions

preparing 27

startup 20

stirrer 32

stirring 38

syringe 30, 33

T

TA Instruments offices 3

temperatures

non-ambient 38

titrant 30

trademarks 3

troubleshooting 38

Nano ITC Getting Started Guide Page 45

tubing

connecting 33

V

viscous mixing 38

W

warnings 4

Page 46 Nano ITC Getting Started Guide