Carr R., Hole P., Malloy A., Smith J., Weld A., Warren J.
NanoSight Ltd, UK
Keywords: analysis, Fluorescence, nanoparticle, shape, size, zeta potential
A new nanoparticle sizing and characterisation technique is described which allows nanoparticles in a suspension to be individually but simultaneously detected and analysed in real time using a low cost instrument. Nanoparticles of all types and in any solvent can be detected, sized and counted through video-based tracking of their Brownian motion when illuminated by a specially configured laser beam. Depending on particle type, nanoparticles as small as 10nm can be visualised (though not imaged). Examples of analyses of a wide range of sample types will be shown including nano-emulsions from pharmaceutical and clinical applications and metal oxides and nano-ceramics from the chemical, pigments and coatings industries. Advances in the technique will be described which allow each particle to be simultaneously analysed not just in terms of its size but also light scattering power (mass/refractive index) and electrophoretic mobility in an applied electric field. Finally, results will be presented that show an unprecedented ability to quantify nanoparticle asymmetry in real time, again on a particle-by-particle basis and simultaneously linked to the parameters described above. In conclusion, the technique will uniquely offer a real-time, simultaneous multiparameter analysis (size, Ri, zeta potential, count and shape factor) of individual nanoparticles in suspension.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 1, Nanotechnology 2008: Materials, Fabrication, Particles, and Characterization – Technical Proceedings of the 2008 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 1
Published: June 1, 2008
Pages: 866 - 870
Industry sector: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
Topic: Materials Characterization & Imaging
ISBN: 978-1-4200-8503-7