Dynamic light scattering nanoparticle size analyzer Zetasizer Ultra

electrophoretic light scatteringstatic light scatteringlaser

Overview
The Zetasizer Ultra measures particle size, particle concentration, zeta potential and molecular weight on a single platform. It integrates Non-Invasive Back Scatter (NIBS), Adaptive Correlation and Multi-Angle Dynamic Light Scattering (MADLS) with software guidance to support reproducible measurements from low-volume and challenging samples.

Key capabilities

• Combined DLS (size) and ELS (zeta) measurements with M3‑PALS for ζ potential and electrophoretic mobility.
• MADLS for angle-independent, high-resolution size distributions and particle concentration (Red Label option).
• Adaptive Correlation and machine‑learning data quality guidance for automated, sample‑tailored acquisition and result flagging.
• Low-volume sizing cell enabling measurements from 3 µL; zeta measurements from 20 µL using diffusion‑barrier technique.
• Optional automation (Zetasizer Sample Assistant) for unattended batch processing (up to 120 samples).

Selected features

• One platform delivering size, concentration and zeta potential; also supports static light scattering for molecular weight.
• ZS Xplorer software for method setup, guided analysis and data integrity workflows.
• Filter wheel with fluorescence and polarization filters for DDLS and fluorescent samples.
• Disposable and reusable cells including low-volume capillary and quartz cuvettes; diffusion barrier to protect scarce samples.

Key applications

• Lipid nanoparticles and viral vectors — characterization of size, concentration, polydispersity and surface charge across formulation and manufacturing.
• Viruses and VLPs — rapid size and titer distribution analysis enabled by MADLS.
• Ceramics and mineral materials — resolution of multimodal particle size distributions for materials development and QC.

Resources and support (product materials)

• Manufacturer documentation: brochures, multilingual user manuals, software updates, application notes, webinars and whitepapers; technical support and certified service options available.

Technical specifications

• Measurement principles: NIBS DLS; DLS at 90° and 13°; MADLS; Static Light Scattering (Debye plot) for molecular weight.
• Measurement angles: 173°, 13°, 90°.
• Size range (indicative): 0.3 nm – 15 μm (extended analyses/accessories may provide data >10 μm).
• Minimum sample volume (size): 3 µL (low-volume sizing cell).
• Zeta measurement principle: M3‑PALS (mixed-mode phase analysis); zeta size range 3.8 nm – 100 μm; min. zeta volume 20 µL with diffusion barrier.
• Concentration range (MADLS, Red Label): ~1×10^8 to 1×10^12 particles/mL; typical sizing concentration examples: Blue Label 0.2 mg/mL (15 kDa); Red Label 0.1 mg/mL (15 kDa).
• Molecular weight (SLS): 300 Da – 20 mDa (Debye analysis), accuracy ≈ ±10%.
• Detector: Avalanche photodiode; Laser: He‑Ne 633 nm (Blue Label 4 mW max; Red Label 10 mW max).
• Temperature control: 0 °C – 120 °C (dry nitrogen purge required below dew point).
• Dimensions (W×D×H): 322 × 565 × 245 mm; Weight: 19 kg; Power: AC 100–240 V, 50–60 Hz.
• Standards: ISO 22412:2025, ISO 13099‑2:2025; relevant USP and ASTM references; performance values sample‑dependent.