Particle Size and Distribution Analysis

Nanoparticles, defined as particles measuring between 1 and 100 nanometers in size, have unique properties due to their small dimensions and high surface area-to-volume ratio. The particle size and distribution of nanoparticles play a crucial role in determining their behavior and functionality in various applications for the following reasons:

• Understanding Physical and Chemical Properties: The size of nanoparticles significantly influences their physical and chemical properties. Smaller particles typically exhibit higher surface area-to-volume ratios, which can enhance reactivity, strength, and electron mobility. Knowing the particle size helps predict these behaviors.
• Stability: The stability of nanoparticle dispersions is often a function of particle size. Smaller particles may exhibit increased Brownian motion, leading to aggregation or sedimentation if not properly stabilized. Understanding the size distribution can help in optimizing formulations for stability.
• Biocompatibility and Toxicity: In biomedical applications, the size of nanoparticles can affect their interaction with biological systems, including cellular uptake, distribution, and clearance from the body. Size and distribution assessments are essential for evaluating biocompatibility and potential toxicity.
• Performance in Applications: In sectors such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, and materials science, the effectiveness of nanoparticles in applications like drug delivery, catalysis, and sensing can be size-dependent. For instance, the efficacy of drug delivery systems can hinge on the size of the nanoparticles, which influences how they penetrate biological barriers.
• Manufacturing and Scalability: Understanding particle size and distribution is vital for process control and quality assurance in manufacturing. Consistent particle size can lead to reproducibility of product performance, important for commercialization and regulatory compliance.
• Regulatory Compliance: Nanoparticles are subject to specific regulatory guidelines in many regions. Detailed knowledge of particle size and distribution can help meet these requirements and ensure safety for consumers and the environment.

Nanoparticles Particle Size and Distribution Analysis Techniques

To ensure precise and reliable characterization, STEMart offers comprehensive nanoparticle particle size and distribution analysis services utilizing a range of advanced detection methods.

• Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS)

DLS provides a quick assessment of particle size distributions in solution by measuring the time-dependent fluctuations in the intensity of scattered light from a suspension of particles. It is particularly useful for characterizing nanoparticles in a colloidal dispersion and provides information on the hydrodynamic diameter.

• Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)

SEM uses a focused beam of electrons to create high-resolution images of nanoparticle surfaces, allowing for the observation of the shape and size of individual nanoparticles.

• Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)

TEM involves transmitting electrons through a thin sample to offer even greater detail, giving information about the internal structure and morphology of nanoparticles, as well as precise size measurements.

• Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)

AFM provides topographical maps of nanoparticles and analyze particle size and distribution on surfaces.

• Nano-Particle Tracking Analysis (NTA)

NTA tracks the Brownian motion of individual nanoparticles in real-time and calculates their size based on this motion. It is particularly effective for size distributions in the range of 10 nm to 1000nm.

STEMart provides a thorough analysis of particle size and distribution in nanoparticles which is vital for optimizing the performance and efficacy of nanoparticles in diverse fields, ranging from drug delivery and medical imaging to environmental monitoring and materials science. Accurate characterization enables researchers and industrial practitioners to tailor the physical, chemical, and biological properties of nanoparticle systems, ultimately enhancing their applicability and efficiency in real-world scenarios.

For more information about our particle size and distribution analysis service, please contact us.