Focus on Optical Methods in Malvern Contribution to 'Characterisation of Sub-Micron and Nano-Sized Particles'


1 February 2010: Malvern, UK - "Optical methods for particle size and zeta potential determinations with an overview of acoustical techniques" will be the subject of a presentation in March 2010 by Fraser McNeil-Watson, manager of the Novel Measurement Group at Malvern Instruments at a meeting on the 'Characterisation of sub-micron and nano-sized particles'. The one-day technical meeting, organised by the Particle Characterisation Interest Group of the Royal Society of Chemistry and The Joint Pharmaceutical Analysis Group, takes place on 17 March 2010 at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society in London (UK). The programme includes presentations on different methods available for submicron and nano-sized particle characterisation and will discuss method validation and checking, as well as exploring important aspects of sample preparation and dispersion.

Malvern's Zetasizer Nano series of particle characterization systems measures particle size, zeta potential and molecular weight. The novel measurement technology and patented optics built into the systems make them equally applicable to characterizing high concentration colloids and nanoparticles of all types, through to measurement of dilute proteins and macromolecules in their native state, requiring as little as 12 microlitres of sample.

Zetasizer Nano systems use the combination of patented NIBS (non-invasive back-scatter) optics and dynamic light scattering (DLS) to measure the size of particles and molecules from 0.6 nm to 6 microns. Zeta potential measurement in both aqueous and non-aqueous dispersions uses the latest M3-PALS technology, while molecular weight is an absolute measurement using static light scattering. A choice of measurement cells includes a unique disposable zeta potential cell that ensures no cross contamination of samples, and a high concentration cell for zeta potential measurement. All systems are compatible with the MPT-2 autotitrator, enabling the automation of pH, conductivity and additive trend measurements. www.malvern.com/zetasizer

About Malvern Instruments

Malvern Instruments provides a range of complementary materials characterization tools that deliver inter-related measurements reflecting the complexities of particulates and disperse systems, nanomaterials and macromolecules. Analytical instruments from Malvern are used in the characterization of a wide variety of materials, from industrial bulk powders to nanomaterials and delicate macromolecules. A broad portfolio of innovative technologies is combined with intelligent, user-friendly software. These systems deliver industrially relevant data enabling our customers to make the connection between micro (such as particle size) and macro (bulk) material properties (rheology) and chemical composition (chemical imaging).

Particle size, particle shape, zeta potential, molecular weight, chemical composition and rheological properties measurements are now joined by advanced chromatography solutions (GPC/SEC), extending Malvern's technologies for protein molecular weight, size and aggregation measurements, and synthetic polymer molecular weight and distribution. The company's laboratory, at-line, on-line and in-line solutions are proven in sectors as diverse as cement production and pharmaceutical drug discovery.

Headquartered in Malvern, UK, Malvern Instruments has subsidiary organizations in all major European markets, North America, China, Korea and Japan, a joint venture in India, a global distributor network and applications laboratories around the world. www.malvern.com

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USA contact:

Marisa Fraser,

Malvern Instruments Inc.

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MA 01581-1042

USA

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Fax: +1 508 768 6403

marisa.fraser@malvern.com

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Malvern Instruments Ltd

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