Not sure which Zetasizer system is right for your requirements?. Find your perfect Zetasizer

Find your perfect Zetasizer

Zetasizer Ultra

World’s most advanced light scattering system

The new Zetasizer Ultra is our most advanced system for the measurement of particle and molecular size, particle charge and particle concentration, and represents the most intelligent and flexible instrument in the Zetasizer Advance range. 

Our flagship model enjoys all the benefits afforded by ZS Xplorer software, in terms of ease of use, analysis speed and data confidence, and also offers two unique measurement capabilities: Multi-Angle Dynamic Light Scattering (MADLS) and particle concentration*, to offer even greater insight into your samples.

*Zetasizer Ultra Red Label only

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Features and benefits


Om_logo.png Works with OmniTrust: Malvern Panalytical's compliance solution for the regulated environment

The Zetasizer Ultra is the world’s most capable combined DLS and ELS system, incorporating Non-Invasive Back Scatter (NIBS) and, uniquely, Multi-Angle Dynamic Light Scattering (MADLS) technology for the measurement of particle and molecular size. NIBS provides the versatility and sensitivity to measure over a wide concentration range, while MADLS permits a higher resolution view into your sample’s size distribution for those critical measurements.

An extension to MADLS on the Zetasizer Ultra Red Label affords the ability to directly analyze particle concentration. The measurement of particle concentration is suitable for a wide range of materials, requires no or little dilution, and is quick to use – all of which make it ideal as a screening technique.  This is a unique capability of the Zetasizer Ultra which can even be applied to samples such as viruses and virus-like particles (VLPs), which were previously very challenging to measure. 

Key features of the Zetasizer Ultra include:

  • Multi-Angle Dynamic Light Scattering (MADLS) for absolute confidence in particle and molecular size distribution analysis
  • Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) measures particle and molecule size, from below 1 nm to 10 µm 
  • Electrophoretic Light Scattering (ELS) measures the zeta potential of particles and molecules, indicating sample stability and/or propensity to aggregate
  • Non-Invasive Back Scatter (NIBS) optics for versatile, high sensitivity, particle and molecular size measurements
  • Simple, per-peak concentration / titer measurements (Red Label only)
  • Disposable capillary sizing cell provides the ultimate in non-destructive, low volume (down to 3 µL) analysis, with an upper size range that extends to 10 μm
  • M3-PALS with Constant Current Mode for zeta potential and electrophoretic mobility measurements
  • ZS Xplorer software suite for simple and flexible method set-up and data analysis
  • Adaptive Correlation for faster, more reproducible sizing measurements with less sample preparation
  • Deep Learning empowered data quality system for assessment of any size data quality issues, with clear advice on how to improve results
  • Optical filter wheel with fluorescence filter to allow measurement of fluorescent samples without impairing overall system sensitivity.  Also includes polarization filters for DDLS measurements
  • The optional MPT-3 Autotitrator enables study of the effect of changes in pH
  • A range of disposable and reusable cells are available to optimize the measurement in terms of sample volume and concentration, including the new low volume disposable sizing cell kit, which offers the dual benefits of size measurements in as little as 3 µL, and extension to the upper size range of DLS measurements, due to the suppression of convection currents

Which Zetasizer is right for me?

Zetasizer Ultra Zetasizer Pro Zetasizer Lab
Size Measurement Principle Non-Invasive Back Scatter (NIBS)
Dynamic Light Scattering
Dynamic Light Scattering (90° and 13°)
Multi-Angle Dynamic Light Scattering (MADLS®)
Non-Invasive Back Scatter (NIBS)
Dynamic Light Scattering
Classical 90° Dynamic Light Scattering
Zeta Measurement Principle ELS with M3-PALS and Constant Current Zeta Mode ELS with M3-PALS and Constant Current Zeta Mode ELS with M3-PALS and Constant Current Zeta Mode
Molecular Weight and B22 Static Light Scattering (90° and 173°) Static Light Scattering (173°) Static Light Scattering (90°)
Optical Filter Wheel (Fluorescence/DDLS) Yes Yes No
Low Volume Disposable Sizing Cell with Extended Size Analysis Support Yes No Yes
MADLS® (High Resolution DLS) Yes No No
MADLS® - Particle Concentration/Titer Yes2 No No
21 CFR Part 11 compliant software Optional via Omnitrust Optional via Omnitrust Optional via Omnitrust
Size
Range2 0.3 nm to 10 μm 0.3 nm to 10 μm 0.3 nm to 10 μm
Minimum Volume 3 μL 12 μL 3 μL
Zeta potential
Size Range 3.8 nm to 100 μm 3.8 nm to 100 μm 3.8 nm to 100 μm
Minimum Volume3 20 μL 20 μL 20 μL

1  Red Label only
2  10 um by default. Option to extend for Zetasizer Lab and Zetasizer Ultra coming soon
3  Patented Diffusion Barrier method in capillary cell

Key applications

The Zetasizer Ultra is suitable for a wide range of applications, including:

Colloidal Silica
Sizing of colloidal silica is a critical requirement. This is easily and reproducibly measured using the Zetasizer Lab Blue Label.
Titanium Dioxide
Titanium dioxide use is wide-ranging. When used in paints or inks, agglomerate or aggregate formation can diminish product performance. The Zetasizer Pro Blue Label, used alongside the MPT‑3 Autotitrator, characterizes the impact of salt concentration on the stability of TiO2 and identifies the most stable pH region.
Ceramics

The strength of ceramics is linked to particle size, and the Zetasizer Ultra Blue Label 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.

Proteins

For protein researchers, early access to characterization data can be a challenge, due to low sample volumes. This is easily overcome using the Zetasizer Lab Red Label with the capillary cell to confirm that samples meet quality requirements and that production and purification processes are optimized.

Carbon Dots (C-dots)
Photoluminescent C-dots are considered safer alternatives to quantum dots. Measuring fluorescent samples by DLS can be challenging due to additional photons emitted by the fluorophore. Available with NIBS on Zetasizer Pro Red Label, a filter removes this interference to provide accurate and reliable data.
Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV)
Monitoring viral concentration is important during development and production optimization. By using the Multi-Angle DLS (MADLS) based particle concentration measurement in the Zetasizer Ultra Red Label, both the size distribution and titer of the virus can be measured within a few minutes.

The Zetasizer Ultra is used in many industries, including:

Academia
The Zetasizer Ultra is an essential analytical tool for many academic laboratories worldwide, finding use in all applications where particle or molecular size and zeta potential analysis is required. The breadth of applications covered by Zetasizer systems, coupled with tens of thousands of scientific citations, have earned these instruments a central space in many scientific faculties.
Bioscience
Variations in molecule concentration, external temperature, level of agitation and time all impact the stability of biological molecules.  Instabilities mainly result in denaturation and aggregation of the molecule through which they can lose their biological function , elicit an immune response and consequently limit its therapeutic viability. Factors affecting therapeutic efficacy and immunogenicity therefore need to be monitored throughout the development pipeline especially at early stages to de-risk the biological drug molecule and limit late-stage failures. The Zetasizer range provides high quality, stability indicating data for biological drug molecules in a short time frame, enabling this measurement to be implemented throughout the development pipeline.   
Food and drink

Zetasizer systems are used to analyze particle size and zeta potential to improve the appearance and taste of foods, drinks and flavorings, and optimize dispersion and emulsion stability to extend product shelf life and improve product performance.

Nanomaterials

Zetasizer measurements of nanoparticle size distribution, dispersion properties, stability and propensity to aggregate are crucial to the design of new nanomaterials. The very large surface area of such materials may result in novel physical and chemical properties, such as increased catalytic activity, improved solubility or unexpected optical or toxicological behaviour.

Customer story: Dolomite Microfluidics speeds and simplifies nanomaterial development workflow with Malvern Panalytical’s Zetasizer Ultra

Paints, inks and coatings
Paint, ink and coating formulations must be stable to keep them in an optimum state over time without change or aggregation. Particle size and zeta potential, measured by the Zetasizer instruments, play important roles in determining a product’s properties, such as dispersibility, color, strength, finish, durability and shelf life.
Pharmaceuticals
The correct particle size and zeta potential can help ensure the production of effective therapeutics, delivered safely. Zetasizer systems are used to characterize the stability and quality of dispersions, emulsions and creams, reducing formulation time and speeding new products to market.

Specification

Particle size and molecular size

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
Diameter: 0.3 nm - 15 μm (2) (9)
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 

Zeta potential

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 (5) to 40% w/v (6)
Sample conductivity range
Maximum: 260 mS/cm

Static Light Scattering (molecular weight)

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

Particle concentration

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

System

Detector
Avalanche Photodiode
Laser safety
He-Ne (633 nm)
Blue label: 4 mW Max 
Red label: 10 mW Max
Temperature control range
0°C to 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 - 80% RH (non-condensing)
Interface
USB 2.0 or higher

Footnotes

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

Accessories

Configure the Zetasizer Ultra for your applications and requirements with our range of configuration options:

Zetasizer Ultra accessories

SV-10 viscometer

Viscosity measurement with speed, simplicity and accuracy.

The SV-10 measures viscosity with the accuracy required for dynamic light scattering, for the conversion of diffusion speed to size, and electrophoretic mobility to zeta potential, in an extremely simple and rapid system.

MPT-3 Autotitrator

Automate your pH titrations

The MPT-3 is a cost-effective accessory for the Zetasizer Advance range, designed to automate your Zeta and/or Size vs. pH titrations, helping you understand how your materials behave as a function of pH.    

The zeta potential and/or size of your materials with pH changes can be critical in understanding: 

  • Material stability
  • Agglomeration
  • Flocculation 
  • Point of net-zero charge (isoelectric point)
  • Storage conditions

Cell and cuvette options

Disposable folded capillary cell (DTS1070)

Eliminate sample cross contamination between zeta potential measurements using a completely disposable cell.

The zeta potential of colloids and molecules is extremely sensitive to contamination from components of a previous sample used in a measurement cell. The use of a disposable cell completely eliminates this potential contamination issue.

The folded capillary cell provides the benefits of the accuracy of measurement of a capillary cell with the ease of use of a disposable cell.

Although, disposable, including the electrodes, for low conductivity samples each cell can be used for hundreds of measurements if required.

The cell can be used with the autotitrator, where multiple measurements are routinely done over a wide pH range.

Universal 'dip' cell kit

Reusable solvent resistant cell.

The dip cell is used for the measurement of zeta potential of samples in aqueous and non-aqueous dispersants, and is designed to be cleaned and reused. It is for batch measurements using standard polystyrene or glass cuvettes.

High concentration zeta potential cell kit

Save time and effort by measuring zeta potential with little or no dilution.

The high concentration cell enables the measurement of the zeta potential of samples with little or no dilution in any Zetasizer Advance system that measures zeta potential.

The cell has a flow configuration so can be used for stop-flow size and zeta potential measurements using an MPT-3 autotitrator as well as batch measurements.

Low-volume disposable sizing cell kit (ZSU1002)

Our low volume disposable sizing cell (ZSU1002) design is unique in offering easy-fill, ultra-low volume size measurement in as little as 3 μL. 

  • Measure larger particles (up to 10 μm) with greater accuracy thanks to the inherent physical qualities of the capillary sizing cell
  • The cell also eliminates the errors associated with multiple scattering, allowing samples to be measured over a wider dynamic concentration range than would normally be possible at side scatter (90°)
  • The use of ZSU1002 is supported on Zetasizer Lab and Zetasizer Ultra models

12mm square glass cell (PCS8501)

Glass cuvette for batch measurements.

  • For size and molecular weight measurements
  • Compatible with aqueous and non-aqueous solvents and dispersants

12mm Glass cell (PCS1115)

Glass cuvette for use with the dip cell.

  • For size and zeta potential measurements using the ‘dip’ cell
  • Compatible with aqueous and non-aqueous solvents and dispersants

Low-volume quartz batch cuvette (ZEN2112)

Low-volume quartz batch cuvette for size and molecular weight measurements.

This quartz cuvette holds between 12 μL and 45 μL of sample and is used for size measurements. It is compatible with both aqueous and non-aqueous solvents and dispersants.

12mm Square Polystyrene Cuvettes (DTS0012)

Disposable polystyrene cuvettes.

  • 100 disposable cells complete with 100 stoppers to avoid cross-contamination
  • For size measurements using aqueous dispersants
  • Compatible with zeta potential measurements using the dip cell

Disposable Solvent Resistant Micro Cuvette (ZEN0040)

Disposable plastic micro cuvette, for size measurement at 173° (NIBS) optics only.

  • 100 x 40µL cuvettes with 100 caps to avoid cross-contamination
  • Compatible with aqueous samples and a range of other solvents: Acetone, Benzaldehyde, Butanone, Dioxane, DMF, Ethyl acetate, Isopropanol, plus various acids and bases

Support

Protect your investment and ensure optimized performance at all times with Malvern Panalytical's service plans.

When you purchase a Malvern Panalytical product we understand that this is just the first stage of a working relationship that will last for the lifetime of the instrument. Depending on your needs, Malvern Panalytical will provide the support for your business.

Help Desk

Training

  • User training events

Software downloads

Malvern Panalytical's service options- choose the right plan for you:

Malvern Panalytical Platinum Plan

For laboratories where maximizing instrument up-time is critical to its daily performance. Our highest level of response and the 'all inclusive' price plan takes care of those unexpected repair bills should the unfortunate occur.

Malvern Panalytical Gold Plan

Enhance your laboratory productivity by maintaining instrument efficiency. Still receive that priority response, combined with specialist technical and software support, we'll keep your instrument performance on track to deliver.

Malvern Panalytical Bronze Visit

For laboratories looking to optimize instrument performance, regular preventative maintenance is essential.

Platinum PlanGold PlanBronze Visit
Annual PM/PV Test
yes
yes
no
Telephone / Email Support
yes
yes
no
Priority Response
yes
yes
no
Emergency Breakdown visits*
yes
yes
no
Parts Included
yes
no
no
Technical & Software Support
yes
yes
yes
IQ/OQ (Pharma)***
yes
yes
yes

*including labour & travel costs ***available at an additional cost

Connected world

Smart Manager

Unleash the potential of your data

Until now, instrument data has too often been stuck in manual records, spreadsheets or site-specific servers. By connecting your Zetasizer Ultra to our Smart Manager and continually analyzing instrument data in the cloud, you can unleash its full potential. This is just one of our digital solutions that are part of Malvern Panalytical's Smart Manager.

Smart Install

Get your new Zetasizer Ultra up and running faster when you choose to smart install. 

With comprehensive resources to help you quickly and safely set-up and verify the performance of your new instrument, there’s no need to wait for an engineer to do it for you. What’s more, smart install presents a new training opportunity as you receive full access to exclusive training material. 

How does it work?

When you follow the step-by-step video instructions, you could be up and running within 90 minutes of delivery of your new Zetasizer Ultra. 

You don't need any specific skills or knowledge to perform a smart installation. Simply follow the instructions provided. 

Everything needed to get started is provided with your new instrument – all you need is an internet connection to access the online training. 

Exclusive e-learning content

Resources to get you up and running quickly and with confidence include:  

  • detailed video guides walk you through installation and set-up;
  • 15-months  access to the Essentials e-learning course, which is provided at no extra cost;
  • a comprehensive user manual.

Find out more about smart install.

The world’s most advanced light scattering system.

The world’s most advanced light scattering system.

Particle and molecular analysis with NIBS and MADLS in an easy to use, compact instrument. Advance your data capabilities with the market-leading successor to the Nano range.

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