Modern Particle Characterization Techniques Series

A Seven-part Educational Webinar Series

1.) Introduction

Dr. Michael Pohl, Vice President of HORIBA Scientific, will describe some common ideas in particle characterization along with common questions to ask when selecting a technique. Mike will also give a very brief overview of some modern techniques before subsequent webinars go into detail.

(00:01:55) Why Characterize Particles?
(00:08:06) Particle Characterization Methods and Techniques
(00:10:35) Electrical Zone Sensing
(00:12:11) Sedimentation
(00:13:39) Laser Diffraction
(00:15:15) Automated Microscopy
(00:18:17) Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS)
(00:22:39) BET Surface Area
(00:27:23) Particle Analysis Workflow
(00:38:50) Sample Preparation
(00:45:42) Which Analyzer?
(00:46:35) Q&A Session

2.) Laser Diffraction

This part two of the webinar series will introduce participants to basic experimental considerations when choosing laser diffraction for particle size analysis. The presentation will explain what makes laser diffraction a “modern technique.” Both wet and dry case studies will be shown along with brief demonstration videos.

(00:03:09) Importance of particles
(00:08:48) Mie vs. Fraunhofer
(00:10:58) What makes Laser Diffraction a modern technique?
(00:15:55) Sampling
(00:16:33) Wet Dispersion
(00:27:00) Dry Dispersion
(00:31:07) Selecting Appropriate Optical Properties
(00:32:48) Conclusion
(00:34:09) Q&A Session

3.) Dynamic Light Scattering

DLS, dynamic light scattering, is a fast, accurate, and popular method for analyzing nanoparticles and large molecules such as proteins and polymers. In this webinar Dr. Jeff Bodycomb reviews the technique along with comments on method development, application results, and data interpretation.

(00:03:24) Sizing techniques
(00:05:45) What is DLS and what, exactly, does it measure?
(00:10:39) What is hydrodynamic size?
(00:17:57) What is Z-average?
(00:28:21) Wetting
(00:30:36) Concentration
(00:38:05) DLS Disadvantages & Advantages
(00:39:57) Summary
(00:40:44) Q&A Session

4.) Multi-laser Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA)

Multi-laser Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA) is an advanced patented technology featuring three simultaneously operating lasers with independently adjustable power. This enables broad size distributions of, for example, biologics particle mixtures to be accurately analyzed for size and concentration. In this webinar, Dr. Jeff Bodycomb (filling in for Dr. Sean Travers) will offer a broad overview on how multi-laser NTA technique fits into the gene therapy space and where we and our collaborators see the applications going in the near future.

(00:01:56) Unmet Needs in Particle Sizing
(00:06:12) Crucial Adaptations to Sample Presentation
(00:08:55) Nanoparticle videos with ViewSizer discussion
(00:11:37) ViewSizer 3000 Fluorescence
(00:15:02) What is a Lentivirus and Virus Measurement
(00:21:40) Data Collection and Analysis
(00:25:34) Extracellular Vesicles: Exosomes
(00:28:39) Influence of Laser Wavelength on Particle Detection
(00:31:19) Conclusion
(00:32:13) Q&A Session

5.) Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET)

Surface area is an important physical property that influences the reactivity, dissolution, catalysis, and separation of materials. The surface area often must be carefully engineered and measured to optimize specific functions. In this webinar, Carl Lundstedt, HORIBA's "Lab Wizard" will explain BET theory (the theory behind surface area), as well as how to ensure good BET measurements.

(00:00:53) What is BET theory?
(00:05:52) Basics of a BET measurement
(00:07:21) BET equations
(00:14:47) BET theory applied to isotherms
(00:20:42) Steps to getting a good BET measurement
(00:29:14) Q&A Session

6.) Zeta Potential

Suspensions are two-phase systems implying that an interface exists between the surface of the material and the liquid in which it is dispersed. The bulk properties of any suspension are dependent upon – and controlled by - two fundamental parameters: the extent of the particle-liquid interface which is characterized by, for example, particle size; and the nature of that interface, characterized by, for example, surface charge.

The influence of changes in the two parameters permeates every aspect of suspension formulation, testing and manufacture and need to be monitored in order to predict and control suspension behavior. Since surface charge directly affects material performance and processability, measuring zeta potential is a convenient and reliable indicator of its magnitude.

(00:04:17) The Electric Double Layer and the Zeta Potential
(00:06:58) Electrokinetic Phenomena
(00:11:27) Aqueous Isoelectric Points (IEP)
(00:16:53) The Nature of Surface Charge of Oxides in Water
(00:21:04) Surface Modification
(00:32:00) The Polishing of Optical Glass
(00:36:30) Q&A Session

7.) Image Analysis

Learn how to rapidly and reliably determine particle size and shape distributions. Image analysis is intuitively appealing and, with new software and hardware, increasingly accessible. On line image analysis extends the technique by analyzing particles as they are in the process, giving immediate feedback. Effectively limited by the wavelength of light, image analysis can be used for particles with sizes ranging from about a micron to tens of millimeters.

View this webinar to learn about this powerful technology for high resolution particle size and shape measurement. This webinar will cover the basics of the technique and some considerations for obtaining reliable data.

Join Darren McHugh from Innopharma Technology and Dr. Jeff Bodycomb from HORIBA Scientific as they discuss: