New Insights into Particle Analysis

Nanoparticle behavior and function is inextricably linked to the properties of its surface. Yet until today, no technique has allowed researchers to adequately characterize the properties of the surfaces of their nanoparticles in a detailed, simple and high throughput way. Near-field Light Scattering (NLS) enables all three of those by quickly mapping the energy and force landscapes of particle-surface and particle-particle interactions.

Instead of just generating an overtly simplistic number (like zeta potential or debye length) NLS enables heightened information of these interactions which is key for ensuring proper function and designing stable formulations.

A quick example to bring this home: properly coated particles allow strong repulsive forces, culminating in more stability and less aggregation.

The Benefits of Near-field Light Scattering

For more information Near-Field Light Scattering (NLS), or the Optofluidics Sample Analysis Program, contact our application specialists atinfo@opfluid.com or our technical sales staff at sales@opfluid.com. 

Strong vs Weak Repulsive Forces

NLS is useful for key areas of R&D including drug delivery. In this field, particles need to be designed to be stable as well as perform a key specific function (like bind, block, regulate, etc.) Such design is done at the single particle level, and particles are expected to act on an individual basis rather than an aggregated basis, since aggregated particles either become ineffective or dangerous.

One key benefit of NLS is that it allows researchers to analyze and distinguish between different aggregation states for the same particle population.