Izon Science today launched
the Variable Pressure Module (VPM) for its qNano and qViro instrument range.
The extended capabilities now provide Izon with the world's most comprehensive
nanoparticle analysis system.
The European launch was held at MicroNanoTec, a microsystems, nanotechnology
and laser technology tradeshow, under the umbrella of world leading industrial
showcase Hannover Messe.
"This is a real breakthrough for our research customers, delivering a
quantum leap in capability. We've developed a very sophisticated platform that
is easy to use and understand, but can also deliver detailed information about
each particle. Users can use simple default analyses or process the stream of
data to suit their own requirements." 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.
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
10^4 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.
Van der Voorn says they are constantly finding new applications for their technology,
largely driven by the measurements needs of their collaborators and customers.
"These include research on nanoparticle based drug delivery platforms
to improve cancer therapy, marine virus research (viruses in the ocean number
10^5-10^6 per teaspoonful of seawater), photosynthetic picoplankton which are
responsible for a large proportion of Earth's oxygen, vaccine research where
viruses are fragmented and need to be accurately measured, and the relationship
between freshwater viruses and pollution in lakes."
The qNano and qViro technology has been sold to research organisations around
the world and is in use in over a dozen countries including Germany, Belgium,
Netherlands, Denmark, United Kingdom, Sweden, Japan, Australia, New Zealand,
Singapore and the USA.
Izon has a number of research collaborations with key institutions and individuals
around the world using their technology to break new ground. Feedback from partners
helps Izon's intensive R&D programme.
Collaboration partners include Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Oxford
University, Johns Hopkins University, NIST, Australian Institute for Bioengineering
and Nanotechnology, University of California Santa Cruz, and in New Zealand
the MacDiarmid Institute, the University of Auckland, the University of Canterbury,
NIWA, Cawthron Institute, Victoria University of Wellington, National Centre
for Biosecurity and Infectious Diseases.
The US launch will be held at the 2010 BIO International Convention on 4 May
in Chicago.