Zetasizer Nano ZSP
Sensitivity, simplicity, versatility
The Zetasizer Nano ZSP is the premium system in the Zetasizer range. It is used for the measurement of size, electrophoretic mobility of proteins, zeta potential of nanoparticles and surfaces, and optionally the microrheology of protein and polymer solutions.
The exceptional performance also enables the measurement of the molecular weight and second virial coefficient, A2, of macromolecules and kD, the DLS interaction parameter.
The system can also be used in a flow configuration to operate as a size detector for Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC) or Field Flow Fractionation (FFF).
Overview
The Zetasizer Nano ZSP is the world’s highest performance system and particularly suitable for the characterization of proteins and nanoparticles where the highest sensitivity for size and zeta potential measurement is required. It includes a Protein Measurement option for protein mobility measurements.
The system incorporates a two angle particle and molecular size analyzer for the enhanced detection of aggregates and measurement of small or dilute samples, and samples at very low or high concentration using dynamic light scattering with ‘NIBS’ optics. The ZSP also incorporates a zeta potential analyzer that uses electrophoretic light scattering for particles, molecules and surfaces, and a molecular weight analyzer using static light scattering.
Using Non-Invasive Backscatter optics (NIBS) it has significantly better performance than systems using 90 degree scattering optics.
In addition, a microrheology option is available for measuring sample viscosity and viscoelastic properties.
The flow mode option enables the system to be connected to an SEC or an FFF system to use as a detector for the size of proteins or nanoparticles.
A choice of cuvettes are available, from disposable single-use to specific cells for viscous or high concentration samples or measuring the zeta potential of surfaces.
Parameters measured:
Particle and molecule size, translational diffusion, electrophoretic mobility, zeta potential of particles at high and low concentrations, viscosity and viscoelasticity of protein and polymer solutions, concentration, MW, A2, kD.
An optional accessory enables measurement of the zeta potential of solid surfaces.
- Exceptional sensitivity for the zeta potential measurement of proteins and nanoparticles using patented M3-PALS.
- Size measurement from 0.3nm (diameter) to 10 microns using patented NIBS (Non-Invasive Back Scatter) technology.
- Zeta potential of surfaces using accessory cell.
- Molecular weight measurement down to 980Da.
- Microrheology option to measure viscosity and viscoelasticity.
- Outstanding protein size measurement sensitivity, 0.1mg/mL (Lysozyme).
- Sample concentrations from 0.1ppm to 40%w/v.
- Built-in protein calculators, including protein charge, A2, kD, and molecular conformation.
- A ‘Quality Factor’ and ‘Expert Advice System’ gives the confidence of having an expert at your shoulder.
- 21CFR part 11 software option to enable compliance with ER/ES.
- Research software option to give access to further features and analysis algorithms for the light scattering specialist.
- Automation of measurements using an autotitrator option.
- Chromatography detector capability to enable use as a size detector with GPC / SEC or FFF.
- Optical filter option to improve measurements with fluorescent samples.
How it works
The Zetasizer Nano ZSP incorporates three techniques in a single compact unit, and has a range of options and accessories to optimize and simplify the measurement of different sample types.
Dynamic Light Scattering is used to measure particle and molecule size. DLS measures the diffusion of particles moving under Brownian motion, and converts this to size and a size distribution using the Stokes-Einstein relationship. Non-Invasive Back Scatter technology (NIBS) is incorporated to give the highest sensitivity simultaneously with the highest size and concentration range.
Measurement of size as a function of concentration enables the calculation of kD, the DLS interaction parameter.
The Microrheology option uses the DLS measurement of tracer particles to probe the structure of dilute polymer and protein solutions.
Laser Doppler Micro-electrophoresis is used to measure zeta potential. An electric field is applied to a solution of molecules or a dispersion of particles, which then move with a velocity related to their zeta potential. This velocity is measured using a patented laser interferometric technique called M3-PALS (Phase analysis Light Scattering). This enables the calculation of electrophoretic mobility and from this the zeta potential and zeta potential distribution.
A surface zeta potential accessory uses tracer particles to measure electro-osmosis close to a sample surface to calculate the zeta potential of the surface.
Static Light Scattering is used to determine the molecular weight of proteins and polymers. The scattering intensity of a number of concentrations of the sample is measured, and used to construct a Debye plot. From this the weight average molecular weight and second virial coefficient can be calculated, which provides a measure of protein solubility.
This technique is very demanding on the sensitivity and stability of the whole system, and requires that every element of the design is optimized to ensure accuracy and repeatability.
Software
The software is designed to be versatile and rich in features without compromising ease of use. Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) simplify routine measurements, a quality factor gives a single place for confirmation of data quality, and an expert advice system is provided to assist with data interpretation.
Options
The MPT-2 Autotitrator enables the study of the effect of changes in pH, conductivity, or any additive to be automated.
A range of disposable and reusable cells are available to optimize the measurement in terms of sample volume, concentration and flow measurement.
Other options include filters to improve the measurement of fluorescent samples and a viscometer to determine the sample viscosity to the accuracy required for the techniques used.
Specification
- Measurement type:
- Particle size and molecular size
- Measurement range:
- 0.3nm – 10.0 microns* (diameter)
- Measurement principle:
- Dynamic Light Scattering
- Minimum sample volume:
- 12µL
- Accuracy:
- Better than +/-2% on NIST traceable latex standards
- Precision/Repeatability:
- Better than +/-2% on NIST traceable latex standards
- Sensitivity:
- 0.1mg/mL (Lysozyme)
- Measurement type:
- Zeta potential and Protein Mobility
- Measurement range:
- 3.8nm – 100 microns (diameter)*
- Measurement principle:
- Electrophoretic Light Scattering
- Minimum sample volume:
- 150µL (20µL using diffusion barrier method)
- Accuracy:
- 0.12µm.cm/V.s for aqueous systems using
NIST SRM1980 standard reference material - Sensitivity:
- 1mg/mL (Lysozyme)
- Measurement type:
- Molecular weight
- Measurement range:
- 980Da – 20M Da*
- Measurement principle:
- Static Light Scattering using Debye plot
- Minimum sample volume:
- 12µL (3-5 sample concentrations required)
- Accuracy:
- +/- 10% typical
- Measurement type:
- Microrheology (option)
- Measurement principle:
- Dynamic Light Scattering
- Minimum sample volume:
- 12µL (DLS measurement only)
- *maximum range, sample dependent
- Patents granted:
- NIBS.
EP 0 884 580, DE 19725211, US 6016195, JP 2911877.
M3, Mixed mode measurement.
UK 2361772, EP1154266, US7217350, JP2002005888. - Temperature control range:
- 0ºC - 90ºC +/-0.1**
- Light source:
- He-Ne laser 633nm, Max 10mW
- Laser safety:
- Class 1
- Power: (V, Hz, VA)
- 100VA
- ** at 25ºC
- Dimensions (W, D, H)
- 320mm, 600mm, 260mm (W,D,H)
- Weight: (kg)
- 19
- Temperature:
- 15°C – 40°C
- Humidity:
- 35% - 80% non-condensing
- Operating platforms:
- Windows XP, Windows 7, compatible with both 32bit and 64bit operating systems.
Measurement type 1:
Measurement type 2:
Measurement type 3:
Measurement type 4:
General:
Weight and dimensions:
Operating environment:
Software:
Accessories
A range of accessories are available to make life easier, or to add capability to the system
Automates experiments to study the effect of a change in sample conditions such as pH, conductivity, or the concentration of an additive. Up to three titrants can be used to modify pH and conductivity for example.
A degasser option is available to simplify use by degassing the titrants at the point of use.
An extremely simple and fast method of measuring the viscosity required for molecular size and zeta potential measurements. In 15 seconds the viscosity of 10mL of sample or dispersant can determined to an accuracy of 1% of samples with as low a viscosity as water. Water jacket supplied for temperature control (Note: Water bath required and available at additional cost).
See the SV-10 viscometerFactory fitted options
Useful where the sample fluoresces. Will select the scattering from non-fluorescing particles and improve the signal to background ratio
Titrants used by the MPT-2 titrator need regular degassing, ideally before each titration.
Degassing is required to remove bubbles that can affect the volume of titrant dispensed. This is particularly important close to pH7 where low volumes of titrant are required.
The degasser is a highly recommended ‘Fit and forget’ accessory that continuously degasses titrants which improves the speed of titrations and the accuracy of reaching the target pH. This gives more evenly spaces pH points.
