Beyond the second virial coefficient: Sedimentation equilibrium in highly non-ideal solutions

The general theory of sedimentation equilibrium (SE), applicable to mixtures of interacting sedimentable solutes at arbitrary concentration, is summarized. Practical techniques for the acquisition of SE data suitable for analysis are described. Experimental measurements and analyses of SE in concentrated protein solutions are reviewed. The method of non-ideal tracer sedimentation equilibrium (NITSE) is described. Experimental studies using NITSE to detect and quantitatively characterize intermolecular interactions in mixtures of dilute tracer species and concentrated proteins or polymers are reviewed.