What is a Continuous Particle Size Distribution?

Particle size distribution data can be presented numerically (tabular format) or graphically. When presented graphically, there are two types: differential and cumulative. They are related. If one differentiates the cumulative distribution curve, the differential distribution is obtained. If one integrates the differential distribution curve, the cumulative distribution is obtained. Differential Distribution The differential distribution shows […]

Applications: Particle Sizing

Posted on: Jun 2, 2021

Using Static Light Scattering to Measure Polymer Molecular Weights

What is Static Light Scattering? Static light scattering (SLS) is a technique that leverages high precision photon counting to measure size, molecular weight, and other structural parameters. Common samples include synthetic polymers, nanoparticles, biomolecules, and other macromolecules. SLS makes extensive use of extrapolation, typically with respect to scattering angle, concentration, or in the case of […]

Applications: DLSMolecular WeightSLS

Posted on: May 20, 2021

DLS FAQ: Data Portability & Archiving

In order for DLS data to be relatable to a physically meaningful parameter, frequently size, it is necessary to know a number of other parameters describing either the solvent, measurement conditions, or the configuration of a given hardware system. Brookhaven fully supports export of raw data, specially DLS autocorrelation functions, for fitting using more advanced algorithms. […]

Applications: DLS
Instruments: BI-200SMNanoBrook SeriesParticle ExplorerParticle Solutions

Posted on: Apr 29, 2021

Phosphatidylcholine and Stearylamine molecules

Characterizing Liposomes with DLS and Zeta Potential: Tools for Drug Delivery

Summary Liposomes are a common system used to encapsulate and deliver bioactive cargo molecules. In contrast to simple emulsions (oil-in-water or water-in-oil), these lipid vesicles are composed of well-defined bilayer structures and have aqueous interiors. These bilayers encircle the molecule of interest, often proteins or oligonucleotides such as DNA or RNA. These vesicle structures are inherently […]

Applications: BiopharmaDrug DeliveryParticle SizingZeta
Instruments: NanoBrook Series

Posted on: Mar 26, 2021

migrating bands in Brookhaven's DCP centrifuge

A Useful Tool for Measuring Carbon Black: Disc Centrifuge Photosedimentometry (DCP)

Summary An industrial carbon black sample was used for the purpose of demonstrating the efficacy of the Brookhaven Instruments DCP. Due to the intrinsically differential nature of the results, it is possible to identify the existence of multiple species even from raw, uncorrected results. The basis of this technique is sedimentation, meaning that larger particles […]

Applications: Carbon BlackParticle Sizing
Instruments: BI-DCP

Posted on: Feb 16, 2021

disc centrifuge sedimentometry diagram illustration

Principles of Operation for Disc Centrifuges

Both disc centrifuges separate particles according to size and density, making these methods ideal for high-resolution particle sizing. The Disc Centrifuge Photosedimentometer (DCP) uses visible light for detection, whereas the X-Ray Disc Centrifuge (XDC) uses a compact X-Ray source. Despite different sources of contrast, the two techniques both operate on similar principles. In both cases, […]

Posted on: Feb 16, 2021

DLS FAQ: The Baseline Index

The baseline index, abbreviated as BI, is a metric that can be used to quantify the impact of dust contamination on a given DLS measurement. Within the vernacular of light scattering, dust is often loosely defined, referring to any minor component too large to properly disperse, moving due to gravity, rather than Brownian motion.

Applications: DLS
Instruments: NanoBrook SeriesParticle ExplorerParticle Solutions

Posted on: Jan 26, 2021

Role of Light Scattering in Production of Performance Polymers and Other Functional Materials

The majority of modern performance polymers are designed to enhance a particular material property. A number of high-profile engineering plastics, resins, and gels are made from these kinds of precursors. Light scattering can be used to solve many of the unique problems encountered when working with unusual functional plastics and associated polymeric precursors.

Applications: ManufacturingMaterialsMolecular WeightPolymers
Instruments: BI-200SMNanoBrook Series

Posted on: Dec 17, 2020

Automation of pH-titrations using the BI-ZTU

The Brookhaven Instruments Autotitrator (BI-ZTU) provides researchers with a tool to study the effect of pH on zeta potential (ζ).

Applications: TitrationsZeta
Instruments: BI-ZTUNanoBrook Series

Posted on: Nov 25, 2020

Why are DLS Measurements at High Concentration Difficult?

Despite the versatility of the DLS technique, there are several important considerations that cannot be ignored when using light scattering to characterize high-concentration solutions.

Applications: DLSPolymersSample Prep
Instruments: BI-200SMNanoBrook Series

Posted on: Nov 18, 2020

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