Malvern Instruments claims the Zetasizer Nano is emerging as the system of choice for particle characterisation as researchers discover new applications for stimulus-responsive microgels, or "smart polymers".
The Zetasizer Nano includes hardware and software for combined dynamic, static, and electrophoretic light scattering measurements and is said to satisfy the requirements of this expanding field.
Microgels are particles of cross-linked polymer networks dispersed in a medium, such as water. They have diameters from 100nm to 1µm and can undergo rapid, reversible and dramatic phase transitions when triggered by slight environmental variations in temperature, pH or ionic strength. Medical applications for smart polymers range from diagnosis to intelligent distribution of drugs and actuators (such as artificial muscles and valves).
The Zetasizer Nano series enables the study of small, weakly scattering particles such as polymers at low concentrations. Its novel arrangement of optics maximises detection of scattered light while maintaining signal quality. The sample properties available for measurement include particle size, molecular weight, and zeta potential.
The system offers measurement in the size range of 0.6nm to 6μm and a concentration range of 0.1mg/mL lysozyme to 40% w/v.