Mikrokalorimetri

Mikrokalorimetri is a scientific technique used to measure extremely small amounts of heat produced or absorbed during chemical and physical processes. It is a specialized form of calorimetry, which is the science of measuring heat. The term "mikro" signifies the sensitivity of the instruments, capable of detecting heat changes in the order of microwatts or even picowatts.

This technique is particularly valuable for studying reactions involving small sample sizes, dilute solutions, or processes with very low energy changes. Common applications include the study of enzyme kinetics, protein folding, drug-receptor interactions, and the thermal stability of materials. Mikrokalorimetric measurements can provide information about reaction rates, binding affinities, and thermodynamic parameters such as enthalpy and entropy.

The instrumentation for mikrokalorimetry typically involves highly sensitive thermal detectors and precise temperature control. Samples are placed in small vessels, and any heat evolved or consumed is detected as a temperature change. By comparing the heat flow of a sample reaction to a reference, quantitative measurements can be made. The technique is non-destructive in many cases, allowing for further analysis of the sample after the measurement. Its ability to work with minimal sample quantities makes it ideal for research where sample availability is limited, such as in the pharmaceutical industry or for studying rare biological molecules.