Zetasizer Nano ZS, Particle Size Analysis, Zeta Potential and Molecular Weight Measurement From Malvern Instruments

:: AZoNanotechnology Article

Topics Covered

Background
Particle Size
Zeta Potential
Molecular Weight
Simple Operation
Operating Instructions
Designed to Meet Your Needs
Unique Folded Capillary Zeta Potential Cell
Automatic Titration

Background

The new Zetasizer Nano ZS brings you the practicality of a maintenance-free system with the versatility to offer precision measurement for your laboratory's particle characterization needs.

Figure 1. The Malvern Zetasizer

Particle Size

Non-invasive back scatter (NIBSR) technology takes particle sizing to new levels of sensitivity in the 0.6nm to 6 micron range. The new Zetasizer Nano ZS is the choice for accurate, reliable and repeatable size analysis including protein melting point determination.

• Proteins and polymer analysis
• Little or no dilution necessary
• Pharmaceuticals
• Nanoparticles
• Optoelectronics

Zeta Potential

The new Zetasizer Nano ZS offers the highest ever sensitivity, accuracy and resolution of zeta potential. This is achieved by a combination of laser Doppler velocimetry and phase analysis light scattering (PALS) in Malvern's patented M3-PALS technique. Even samples of very low mobility can be analyzed and their mobility distributions calculated.

• Emulsion stability
• Formulation stability
• Water treatment
• Pigment performance
• Impurity determination

Molecular Weight

Using static light scattering (SLS) and the classical Debye plot, the molecular weight of random coiled polymers up to 5 x 105 Da as well as globular polymers and proteins up to 2 x 10⁷ Da can be determined without the necessity for multi-angle measurement.

• Protein and polymer characteristics
• Protein crystal screening
• 2nd virial coefficient determination
• Micelle structure
• Protein-ligand binding

Simple Operation

Operating features of the Zetasizer Nano ZS that make it user friendly include:

• Unique maintenance-free zeta potential cell
• No alignment, calibration or maintenance required
• Zeta potential and size can be measured in the same cell
• Automatic cell recognition system

Operating Instructions

The operation of the Zetasizer Nano ZS involves 5 simple steps:

1. Power up the Zetasizer Nano ZS and launch the software - An automatic complete system self-check ensures that all components are ready for operation.
2. Fill the maintenance-free cell - The amazing low volume, folded capillary cell is the first ever for zeta potential which does not require cleaning. To eliminate cross-contamination, fill it, measure and, instead of cleaning, use a new one.
3. Load the cell - Simply insert the cell with its integral gold electrodes, close the lid and it's ready to go.
4. Run the measurement - From the menu, select the standard operating procedure (SOP) you need or set your own conditions and click the 'start' button.
5. View the results - Predefined reports make reading, comparing and analyzing the results straightforward.

Remove the maintenance-free cell and you are ready to go again.

Designed to Meet Your Needs

At Malvern we strive for improvement in every instrument we design and produce. This process is made possible because we continually ask our customers what they think and what they need before turning those wishes into reality.

Unique Folded Capillary Zeta Potential Cell

Introducing the unique patented folded capillary zeta potential cell featuring:

• First ever maintenance-free zeta potential cell. Simply use it for a single sample or series of experiments then, instead of cleaning it, use a new cell.
• Gold electrodes for widest range of sample compatibility
• Compact design for low volumes down to just 0.75ml.
• Consistent and stable field held at measurement point

Figure 2. The capillary zeta potential cell for the Malvern Zetasizer.

The Zetasizer Nano ZS also accepts the re-usable dip cell which is required for non-aqueous applications - it can also be used for samples dispersed in aqueous media.

Automatic Titration

Automated titration and sample preparation with the MPT-2 Autotitrator

While zeta potential alone is often used to make comparisons between materials and formulations, measuring zeta potential as a function of pH, conductivity or concentration of an additive, provides much greater insight into the processes involved in stabilizing or flocculating disperse systems.

Figure 3. The MPT-2 autotitrator for the Malvern Zetasizer.

Using the MPT-2 autotitrator these measurements can be made automatically using samples of less than 3ml, which allows comprehensive analysis of even scarce biological materials.

Operation is fully automated and protocols can be specified as part of standard operating procedures.

Source: Malvern Instruments Ltd.

For more information on this source please visit Malvern Instruments Ltd (UK) or Malvern Instruments (USA).