Unique Technology

NanoFlowSizer: the technology behind this new particle sizing instrument


Conventional DLS

Dynamic light scattering (DLS) is a well-accepted technology for measuring particle size and size distribution of nanoparticles in liquids. It is based on the measurement of fluctuations in light scattering caused by Brownian motion of suspended particles.

For Brownian diffusion, the frequency of scattered intensity fluctuations depends on the particle size; smaller particles diffuse more rapidly and thus produce higher frequencies. Therefore, the temporal fluctuations in light scattering hold information on the particle size.

Limitations conventional DLS

Standard DLS measurements need to be performed under static conditions ensuring that particle movement is solely caused by Brownian motion and not influenced by other factors like liquid flow.

Additionally, conventional DLS cannot be applied to relative turbid suspension without dilution, while these are often encountered in industrial or process environments. Since nanosuspensions are in motion during processing and vary in turbidity levels conventional DLS is not very suitable for process analytics applications. Also standard DLS requires custom sample geometries (e.g. cuvettes) and thus offers no flexibility for non-invasive measurements in (process)containers or packaging used in R&D and manufacturing. 


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Figure: Conventional DLS, nanoparticle size is measured by translation of light scatter frequencies caused by Brownian motion of suspended nanoparticles via auto-correlation functions; higher frequencies in scatter pattern relate to smaller particles due to their faster diffusion rate (Brownian motion).

How do results from different dynamic light scattering instruments compare?

comparison DLS systems nanoparticle analyzers

Explanation of how results from DLS instruments at different wavelengths and scattering angles are related using practical examples, computer simulations and established light scattering theory, in the context of the NanoFlowSizer SR-DLS technology using Near InfraRed light.

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Spatially Resolved Dynamic Light Scattering

To overcome the limitations of conventional DLS for process analytical applications InProcess-LSP developed a new innovative technology: Spatially Resolved Dynamic Light Scattering (SRDLS). SR-DLS allows particle size characterization in process flows, can measure highly turbid suspensions without dilution and offers extreme flexibility in measuring in diverse sample containers.

Low coherence interferometry

The NanoFlowSizer technology is based on low coherence interferometry providing light scattering information as a function of depth in the sample.

Watch the video about SR-DLS

SR-DLS explained in the 11 minutes, click on the video

nanoflowsizer

The depth-resolved light scattering holds information on particle movement caused by both Brownian motion as well as flow rate. The contribution due to Brownian motion is used for the calculation of the particle size characteristics, while the flow rate information is obtained instantaneously for every measurement as well.

Nanoparticle analysis of highly concentrated and optically turbid samples

The spatially resolved data in combination with smart algorithms allows the NanoFlowSizer to distinguish single from multiple scattered light. The latter is spatially filtered using fully automated analysis within the  XsperGo software. As a result, correct particle size analysis based using only single scattered light can be delivered for suspensions up to unprecedented  turbidity levels.

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Figure: Left: the chance that unwanted multiple scattering occurs increases with the turbidity level of the sample and the pathlength of the light. When multiple scattering occurs, the applied algorithms of the NanoFlowSizer will detect automatically at which depth (pathlength) this occurs. Middle: the obtained auto-correlation functions originated form single scattered light are automatically selected, for processing of particle size information, while those related to multiple scattering are automatically discarded. Right: Particle size information is obtained by processed single scattered light data only.

The measurement and processing of the data into particle size information, such as z-average, PSD (particle size distribution) and PDI (poly dispersity index), takes place within 10s.

We are extremely impressed by the system and the quality of the data!

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Nanoparticle characterization under flow

Conventional DLS requires the sample to be at rest. As spatially resolved data are available, the NanoFlowSizer is capable of fitting and distinguishing particle movements caused by flow and Brownian motion. The XsperGo software is able to correct for flow effects on measurements using the relevant Brownian motion information.

characterization-of-nanoparticles-nanoparticle-analysis-scattering-size-distribution
Figure: Left: For measurements in flow, particles close to the edge (glass interface for measurement) show lower flow rates compared to particles further away from the edge. As a consequence of flow the obtained auto-correlation functions will deviate (show a steeper decay) when flow rates become larger (Middle). The Flow correction algorithms of the NanoFlowSizer make use of the known flow velocity pattern of a laminary flow, which allows direct correction (Right) for flow rate as long as a laminary flow is maintained. The flow corrected auto-correlation functions can be processed into reliable particle size information.

These clear advantages make the NanoFlowSizer the ideal solution for inline or online measurements, providing continuous real-time process feedback on nanoparticle size characteristics, a powerful Process Analytical Tool.

Configurations

Fast analysis:

  • Offline (R&D)
  • Offline (QC)
  • Inline
  • Online
  • At-line
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