Abstract
Summary
The stability of polystyrene latex particles, 2000 Å in diameter, in suspension, both uncoated and coated with human gamma globulin, was studied as a function of pH, electrolyte concentration and valence. Uncoated latex particle suspensions became unstable in the presence of polyvalent cations but not anions. When particles were coated with human gamma globulin, they acquired the characteristics of the protein coating, including its amphoteric properties. At pH 5.0 (net charge positive) the presence of polyvalent anions resulted in instability of the coated particles, while at pH 9.0 (net charge negative) the coated particles became unstable in the presence of polyvalent cations.
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