New Zetasizer Advance – DLS for every application – meet the new Zetasizer Family!. Find out more

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Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS)

Dynamic Light Scattering for size characterization of proteins, nanoparticles, polymers and colloidal dispersions

Dynamic light scattering (DLS), sometimes referred to as Quasi Elastic Light Scattering (QELS), is a non-invasive, well-established technique for measuring the size and size distribution of molecules and particles typically in the submicron region, and with the latest technology, lower than 1nm.

Applications of DLS

Typical applications of dynamic light scattering are the characterization of particles, emulsions or molecules which have been dispersed or dissolved in a liquid. 

The Brownian motion of particles or molecules in suspension causes laser light to be scattered at different intensities. 

Analysis of these intensity fluctuations yields the velocity of the Brownian motion and hence the particle size using the Stokes-Einstein relationship.

DLS technology advantages

Dynamic Light Scattering technology from Malvern Panalytical offers the following advantages:

  • Accurate, reliable and repeatable particle size analysis in one or two minutes
  • Multi-Angle Dynamic Light Scattering  (MADLS) improves the resolution of DLS and provides angular independent size results
  • Simple, material-independent measurement of per peak particle concentration
  • Mean size only requires knowledge of the viscosity of the liquid
  • Simple or no sample preparation, high concentration, turbid samples can be measured directly using NIBS
  • Size measurement of sizes from <1 nm to >10 um
  • Size measurement of molecules from MW < 1000 Da
  • Low volume requirement (as little as 3 µL)
  • At-line process systems available for control of nanoparticle manufacture
  • Compliance with regulatory standards ISO 13321, ISO 22412, 21 CFR Part 11
Zetasizer Advance Range

Zetasizer Advance Range

Light Scattering for every application

Technology
Dynamic Light Scattering
Electrophoretic Light Scattering
Static Light Scattering
Measurement type
Particle size
Zeta potential
Molecular weight
Particle size range 0.3nm - 15µm