NanoSight,
manufacturers of unique nanoparticle characterisation technology, announces
the release of the NS500 system. The NS500 incorporates new hardware and software
to deliver NanoSight’s growing capability in particle-by-particle characterisation
in an automated package. The first system is in use at the University of Oxford
in the Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the John Radcliffe
Hospital as part of a program supported by the Wellcome Foundation.
NanoSight’s new NS500 nanoparticle characterisation system
NanoSight’s technology, known as Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA),
provides a high-resolution particle size distribution, and not by DLS (dynamic
light scattering). NTA detects individual particles as small as 20nm and, in
real time, simultaneously tracks and sizes whole populations. The result is
a particle size distribution that provides researchers with an over view of
their samples showing everything in the whole range 20 - 1,000nm. NTA also provides
count and concentration, together with a unique view which validates these results.
The NS500 adds fluorescence capability, enabling the user to tune into individual
particles, with sensitivity to detect individual quantum dots whilst eliminating
background interference of other particles and media. Standard beads may be
used to bind to single particles for optimum study.
The fluid handling capability of NS500 provides the user with auto sample presentation
and in-situ cleaning. It is now a routine process to clean the cell with the
ability to purge, flush and load samples through user-customisable software.
Dilution may also be optimised then controlled in this way. Ease of use is further
enhanced with a motorised focus function to readily home in on the particles
under study. In direct response to user feedback this is augmented with an indexed
motorised stage, controlled through the software and providing excellent repeatability
in positioning. The temperature control of the cell offers a broad range (15°C
to 55°C) and programmable temperature cycling, with rapid attainment of
set-point facilitating faster sample measurement and turnaround.
The goal of the NS500 is to provide an easy-to-use, reproducible platform applicable
for specific and general nanoparticle characterisation use. So whether the application
is to control size in nanoparticle development, provide rapid virus titer or
measure the kinetics of protein aggregation, the NS500 system is the solution.