Nanoparticle tracking

The Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis system from NanoSight Techology is based on laser light scattering microscopy. The instruments can visualise and dynamically size populations of particles in a liquid on an individual basis in the particle size range of 10-1000 nm, dependent on material.

The Brownian motion of the particle is tracked separately but simultaneously using a CCD camera, from which a high-resolution plot of the particle size distribution profile is obtained.

The particle-by-particle approach avoids the averaging assumptions of photon correlation spectroscopy. The technique provides the user a simple, direct, qualitative view of the sample under analysis, from which a quantitative estimation of sample size, distribution and concentration can be immediately obtained.

Sample pre-treatment requires dilution with a suitable solvent to an acceptable concentration range (between 10⁸ and 10⁹ particles per mL depending on sample type). All particle types can be measured and in any solvent type, providing that the particles scatter sufficient light to be visible.