Preparing The Sample And Reference Cells - TA Instruments Nano ITC Series Getting Started Manual

Preparing the Sample and Reference Cells

The sample cell (also referred to the reaction vessel) contains the titrant that will be used for your experi-
ment. 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