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The Zetasizer Nano particle characterization system

Abstract:
Researchers in the Department of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics at Kiel University in Germany, are using a Zetasizer Nano system from Malvern Instruments in their work on particulate vaccines formulations for administration via the respiratory tract. Dr. Regina Scherließ leads the research group whose many recent publications include ‘PLGA nanoparticles for vaccine delivery to the respiratory tract [1] and ‘Overcoming the challenges of nasal vaccines through intelligent particle engineering' [2].

Zetasizer Nano used in studies on particulate vaccines for respiratory administration

Malvern, UK | Posted on October 14th, 2013

"We formulate nanoparticles as antigen carriers and incorporate them into larger particles, known as nano-in-microparticles, or NiM, of a size feasible for deposition in the nose or lung," explains Dr Scherließ. "We normally work with dry powder formulations, so the NiM will be dried, usually spray dried, at some point in the formulation process. As the particulate antigen carrier has to be taken up as a particle by the relevant immune cells, we mostly target dendritic cells and macrophages. Nanoparticle size is an important criterion for our formulations and we routinely measure this with the Zetasizer Nano."

Particle size has to be measured directly after preparation and also upon redispersion of the NiM formulation. Redispersion often has to take place in physiological or cell culture media, and at this point the Zetasizer Nano is used to check for aggregates and particle size stability.

"We've also used the Zetasizer Nano for another project where we looked at stabilization of haemaglutinin during spray drying," continued Dr Scherließ, "and as well in a project characterizing chitosan as an adjuvant. Here, we used the Zetasizer to determine the molecular weight of chitosans of different qualities."

The Malvern Zetasizer range provides both exceptionally high performance and entry level systems that incorporate combinations of a particle size analyzer, zeta potential analyzer, molecular weight analyzer, protein mobility and microrheology measurements. Particles and molecules from less than a nanometer in size to several microns can be analyzed by a range of variants to suit specific applications and budget.

Details of Malvern's Zetasizer range are available at www.malvern.com/zetasizer
For information about the research of Dr Scherließ visit www.uni-kiel.de/pharmazie/technologie/eng/publications.htm

Malvern, Malvern Instruments and Zetasizer are registered trademarks of Malvern Instruments Ltd

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About Malvern Instruments
Malvern provides the materials and biophysical characterization technology and expertise that enables scientists and engineers to understand and control the properties of dispersed systems. These systems range from proteins and polymers in solution, particle and nanoparticle suspensions and emulsions, through to sprays and aerosols, industrial bulk powders and high concentration slurries. Used at all stages of research, development and manufacturing, Malvern’s materials characterization instruments provide critical information that helps accelerate research and product development, enhance and maintain product quality and optimize process efficiency.

Our products reflect Malvern’s drive to exploit the latest technological innovations and our commitment to maximizing the potential of established techniques. They are used by both industry and academia, in sectors ranging from pharmaceuticals and biopharmaceuticals to bulk chemicals, cement, plastics and polymers, energy and the environment.

Malvern systems are used to measure particle size, particle shape, zeta potential, protein charge, molecular weight, mass, size and conformation, rheological properties and for chemical identification, advancing the understanding of dispersed systems across many different industries and applications.

Headquartered in Malvern, UK, Malvern Instruments has subsidiary organizations in all major European markets, North America, China, Japan and Korea, a joint venture in India, a global distributor network and applications laboratories around the world.

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