Izon Science will unveil
its latest breakthrough in nanoparticle analysis in the US this week. The Variable
Pressure Module (VPM) extends the capabilities of Izon's qNano and qViro
instrument range providing the world's most comprehensive nanoparticle
analysis system.
The launch will be held on 4 May at the New Zealand Pavilion at the 2010 BIO
International Convention in Chicago. A delegation of 25 innovative New Zealand
companies and research organisations are attending the event, the largest biotechnology
event worldwide.
“Our new platform delivers a quantum leap in capability for our research
customers. Users can use simple default analyses or process the stream of data
to suit their own requirements to gain detailed information about particles.”
says Hans van der Voorn, the Executive Chairman of Izon.
Researchers using Izon's nanoparticle analysis system can measure and
characterize virtually all particles including nanoparticles, viruses, bacteria
and bioparticles such as exosomes and liposomes. Particle concentration, electrophoretic
mobility, size and aggregation kinetics can all be analysed. Real time reaction
monitoring allows users to design and test nanoparticle systems by analyzing
the changes in particle properties as various modifications are applied. This
is useful for bio-nano work, drug delivery research or development of diagnostic
applications.
“We are constantly finding new applications for our technology, largely
driven by the measurement needs of our collaborators and customers around the
world,” says Van der Voorn.
Izon's qNano and qViro instruments use tunable nanopores to measure individual
particle properties as they cross the nanopore. Izon's invention of the
Variable Pressure Module (VPM) provides precise control of liquid flow in addition
to the standard electrophoretic operation of nanopores. The ability to vary
pressure, electrophoretic force and nanopore size in real time, while monitoring
the output is what provides the broad range of capabilities. These new analytical
tools are expected to result in novel research in a number of nanoparticle related
fields.
Charged and uncharged particles can now be detected. By finely controlling
and balancing electrophoretic and pressure forces exerted on the particle, detailed
mobility and charge information can be extracted in a wide range of pH and electrolyte
environments.
Nano-sized particle concentrations in both biological and synthetic particle
samples can now be measured quickly and easily. The extended concentration range
enabled by the VPM allows measurement of sample concentrations down to approximately
104 particles per ml, depending on particle size. Izon expects that this method
will become a globally adopted standard for particle concentration measurement.
Izon's instruments are used across a wide range of scientific fields
including bionanotechnology, virology, vaccinology, microbiology, gene therapy,
medical research, marine science, aquaculture, chemistry and nanoscience. Current
projects include virus quantitation and analysis, oncolytic viruses, marine
science, drug delivery systems, nanoparticle charge measurement, diagnostic
applications using antibodies and nanoparticles, bioparticle analysis, and controlled
dispensing of particles and biomolecules by count.
Izon's qNano and qViro technology has been sold to research organisations
around the world. Collaboration partners in the US include Massachusetts Institute
of Technology (MIT), Johns Hopkins University, National Institute of Standards
and Technology (NIST), and University of California Santa Cruz.