Analytical Facilities

We have the Malvern Zetasizer Nano ZSP instrument for the characterisation of small particles like nanoparticles, colloids, emulsions, and submicron suspensions. It is used for the measurement of particle size, zeta potential, molecular weight (MW) and second virial coefficient determination of proteins, polymers and other molecules. Size measurement is determined by dynamic light scattering technique. It can be performed for the samples in the range of 0.3 nm -10 µm, with concentration limits between 0.1 mg/mL and 40 wt % (depending on sample), sampling volumes between 1mL and 4 mL and temperature control range between 1 and 90 °C. Particles size measurements can be done at both 90° and 173° depending on the concentration of the sample. Charge on the surface of particles can be determined by measuring the zeta potential of a suspension by laser doppler electrophoresis technique in the range of -200 to +200 mV, sampling volume ~100µl for electrode cell and temperature control range between 1 and 70 °C. This instrument can also be used for the measurement of molecular weight in the range of 1×103 – 2×107 g/mol by static light scattering debye plot technique.