Zetasizer Ultra

Overview

When samples are unstable, polydisperse, or just plain difficult, other dynamic light scattering systems struggle. Zetasizer Ultra cuts through the noise to give you clear, high-resolution data, fast.

You’ll see multimodal samples resolved with precision, with every measurement automatically optimized by Adaptive Correlation and high-resolution results delivered by our patented multi-angle dynamic light scattering (MADLS) technology.

Like other Zetasizer Advance systems, the Ultra pairs seamlessly with Sample Assistant for automation and OmniTrust for data integrity. That’s accuracy, automation and integrity, all in one workflow, so you can move projects forward with confidence.

One platform, three critical answers : size, concentration, and zeta potential (Zetasizer Ultra also measures molecular weight).
Adaptive Correlation tailors each run to your sample’s behavior, reducing noise and delivering accurate data up to three times faster than traditional DLS.
ZS Xplorer software guides you through every step of analysis, to ensure high-quality data – even when the user isn’t a light scattering expert.
Machine learning-powered analysis detects data quality issues and gives clear, actionable advice - so you always get the best data from every sample.
Patented multi-angle DLS ( MADLS ) technology delivers 2:1 resolution size and concentration in minutes.
Pair with Zetasizer Sample Assistant to automate your measurements and increase system usage threefold.
Low volume sizing cell delivers accurate data from just 1 µL — ideal for scarce or high-value materials.
Sample options: From complex biological samples (like proteins and viruses) to ceramics and carbon dots, the Ultra handles it all.

Dive deeper with these free resources

Recorded webinar

Zetasizer Ultra and Pro - Demo at your desk

Recorded webinar

Adaptive Correlation: How to get better DLS data with less time and effort.

Recorded webinar

Drug Delivery Vector Characterization Using Zetasizer Advance

Key applications

Zetasizer Ultra is ideal for a wide range of applications across many industries, including pharmaceuticals and mining. Find out more below about the key applications for Zetasizer Ultra.

Lipid nanoparticles

Zetasizer Ultra provides rapid, reliable characterization of lipid nanoparticles and viral vectors.

Measure particle size, concentration, polydispersity, and zeta potential to assess stability, yield, and surface charge across formulation development and manufacturing workflows to refine processes and ensure batch-to-batch reproducibility.

Viruses

Speed up analysis of viruses with fast size and concentration measurements. MADLS^® technology enables simultaneous size and concentration measurement, determining viral titer and distribution in minutes.

Monitoring these key parameters with Zetasizer Ultra helps you optimize processes, maintain quality, and reduce development time.

Ceramics

The strength of ceramics is linked to particle size, and the Zetasizer Ultra is ideally placed to measure this. Al₂O₃ samples are often made of differently-sized particles which can easily be identified using MADLS.

In this 0.1% w/v sample, the two particle size populations would not be distinguishable with a single angle DLS measurement.

Resources

Whitepaper

Improved component resolution with Multi-Angle DLS (MADLS)

Whitepaper

How to choose a light scattering instrument for nanoparticle size and zeta potential measurements

Recorded webinar

Drug Delivery Vector Characterization Using Zetasizer Advance

Excellent system for characterizing nanoparticles in terms of their Physicochemical properties (size, concentration, polydispersity, and zeta potential). I like the system because it consumes only a few microliters of precious samples to determine and analyze all the properties mentioned above. I highly recommend this system for particle analysis."

Ashwini Mishra — AAVinue Inc.

Measurement principle	Non-Invasive Back Scatter (NIBS) Dynamic Light Scattering Dynamic Light Scattering (90° and 13°) Multi-Angle Dynamic Light Scattering (MADLS)
Measurement angle	173°, 13°, 90°
Measurement range	0.3 nm - 15 μm ²
Minimum sample volume	3 μL
Concentration range	Minimum sample concentration: Blue Label: 0.2 mg/mL 15 kDa Protein Red Label: 0.1 mg/mL 15 kDa Protein MADLS: 0.1 mg/ml 15 kDa Protein MADLS Particle Concentration Enabled? Blue Label: No Red Label: Yes Maximum sample concentration⁽³⁾: 40% w/v

Measurement principle	Mixed-Mode Measurement phase analysis light scattering (M3-PALS)
Size range	3.8 nm – 100 μm
Minimum sample volume	20 μL ⁴
Concentration range	Red Label: 1 mg/mL ⁵ to 40% w/v ⁶ Blue Label: 10 mg/mL ⁵to 40% w/v ⁶
Sample conductivity range	Maximum: 260 mS/cm

Molecular weight range	300 Da – 20 mDa
Measurement principle	Static Light Scattering with Debye Plot
Accuracy	+/- 10%

Measurement principle	Blue Label: N/A Red Label: MADLS - Particle Concentration (Mie)
Concentration range	Blue Label: N/A Red Label: 1x10⁸ to 1x10¹² particles/mL
Calibration type	Blue Label: N/A Red Label: Single point system calibration only

Detector	Avalanche Photodiode
Laser safety	He-Ne (633 nm) Blue label: 4 mW Max Red label: 10 mW Max
Temperature control range	0 °C - 120 °C ⁷
Dimensions (W, D, H)	322 mm x 565 mm x 245 mm
Weight	19 kg
Power	AC 100-240 V, 50-60 Hz, 4.0 A
Power consumption	Max 100 W, Typical 45 W
Ambient conditions	+10°C to +35°C, 35 to 80% RH (Non-condensing)
Interface	USB 2.0 or higher

Notes	1 - Water as dispersant 2 - Indicative data available for particle sizes greater than 10 μm when using Extended Size Range analysis and low volume disposable sizing cell accessory. 3 - Sample dependent 4 - Using patented diffusion barrier technique 5 - Measured using 15 kDa protein 6 - Measured using bile acid 7 - Dry nitrogen cell purge required for temperatures below dewpoint 8 - Accuracy 0.1°C at 25°C, 0.2°C at 0°C, 0.5°C at 90°C 9 - Recommended upper size range for MADLS is 500nm diameter

One platform, three critical answers

When your work depends on reliable, high-quality data, you need confidence in every measurement.

Zetasizer Advance Ultra gives you that confidence, combining speed, sensitivity, and flexibility to deliver reproducible results - even when your samples are complex, your users aren’t light scattering experts, or your timelines are tight.

Smarter measurements, faster

Adaptive Correlation automatically adjusts each measurement according to the sample behavior, revealing your sample’s steady state faster, with less time spent re-optimizing methods for changing sample types.

What’s more, our unique machine learning-powered Data Quality Guidance flags results as good, suspect, or poor – and recommends next steps to improve results data quality while eliminating the guesswork.

Deeper insight with multi-angle DLS (MADLS®)

Our patented MADLS^® technology provides high-resolution particle size and concentration measurements, revealing fine details single-angle systems can’t.

MADLS combines multiple detection angles into angle-independent results in minutes, so you’ll quickly see more of what matters - from minor populations to subtle shifts in stability – with data appearing on screen in minutes.

[Available with Red model only]

Low-volume, high-value precision

Measure from just 1 µL of material with our low-volume sizing cell, ideal for scarce or high-value samples.

Preserve sample integrity with our patented diffusion-barrier method, protecting sensitive materials from dilution and handling effects.

More results with less hands-on time

Automate the measurement of up to 120 samples from a single setup with Zetasizer Sample Assistant.

Measurements run unattended while your team focuses on higher-value work – or even overnight. Results are waiting when you return.

Zetasizer Sample Assistant is an optional accessory that works with all models in the Zetasizer Advance range.

Seamless compliance in regulated environments

For regulated environments, all Zetasizer Advance systems pair with OmniTrust to enable 21 CFR Part 11 compliance, electronic signatures, and complete audit trails.

What our customers say

Zetasizer Ultra Trusted by scientists worldwide to deliver reliable, reproducible data. Don’t just take it from us - here’s what our customers say.

Excellent system for characterizing nanoparticles in terms of their Physicochemical properties (size, concentration, polydispersity, and zeta potential). I like the system because it consumes only a few microliters of precious samples to determine and analyze all the properties mentioned above. I highly recommend this system for particle analysis.

Ashwini Mishra — Director Process Development | AAVinue Inc

Shortens the test time, provides early warning quality control, optimizes the test process, and completes the material inspection and verification.

Liu Lei — China Banknote Ink Co., Ltd

I've been using Malvern Panalytical’s Zetasizer since 2014. I used two other brands of DLS instruments, but none of them were as user-friendly as the Zetasizer.

Tugba Yildiz — Senior Scientist, LNP Formulations | TScan Therapeutics

Reliable and repeatable results. This equipment makes life easier when you have to perform hundreds of measurements. The device is simple and pleasant to use, it is easy to teach new people how to use it. Service at the highest level, always ready to help. In addition, the company regularly organizes free webinars with specialists in the operation of the apparatus and the possibilities of its use.

Paweł Misiak — Researcher | University of Bialystok