Researchers at Micromod Partikeltechnologie are using a system from Malvern Instruments to determine particle size and measure the zeta potential of nanoparticles as a function of pH.
The Zetasizer Nano particle-characterisation system is equipped with an MPT-2 Autotitrator and degasser.
Micromod Partikeltechnologie develops and produces functional nano- and micro-particles for biochemical applications, with magnetic nanoparticles being the key products.
The Zetasizer Nano is used in all new and enhanced product development, to create formulations with the appropriate release criteria in terms of particle size and surface potential, and for the quality control of finished products.
Particle size is an important criterion for product release in accordance with the company's strict quality standards, which include ISO 9001:2008 and EN ISO 13485:2003/AC 2007.
'We use the Zetasizer Nano to measure the size distributions of particles from 15nm to 2 microns in diameter,' said Dr Cordula Gruttner from Micromod Partikeltechnologie.
'In the course of chemical or biochemical surface modification of particles, it is also important for us to follow the colloidal stability of the systems by measuring the size distribution and to prevent aggregation of particles by selecting appropriate conditions,' she said.
'We test the quality of the surface modifications - which may involve introducing functional groups or coating the particles with biomolecules such as proteins and antibodies - by measuring zeta potential as a function of pH using the Autotitrator,' Gruttner said.
'This measurement additionally helps us in the application-specific development and optimisation of surface particles in cooperation with our customers,' she added.
Zetasizer Nano particle-characterisation systems from Malvern Instruments measure particle size, zeta potential and molecular weight.
Applications range from characterising high-concentration colloids and nanoparticles through to measurement of dilute proteins and macromolecules in their native state, requiring as little as 12 microlitres of sample.
