Which Zetasizer should you choose?

by Ragy Ragheb, Tuesday, 13th July 2021

Use the Zetasizer Advance Selector!

What do we offer?

In 2018, we launched two new Zetasizer systems to the long and successful lineage of Zetasizer instruments, the Zetasizer Pro and the Zetasizer Ultra. In the summer of 2020, we added the rest of the new family of systems. Learn more about the full Zetasizer Advance Range! Each of the three models (Zetasizer Lab, Pro, and Ultra) offers particle size and particle charge (zeta potential). So how do you find the best Zetasizer to choose?

The benefits from the Advance series include Adaptive Correlation, M3-PALS zeta potential analysis, constant current zeta mode, and our deep-learning-based data quality advice system.

Each of the three models is available as a Blue Label or Red Label variant:

  • Choose Blue Label for routine sample investigation such as metallic colloids, metal oxides and pigments
  • Choose Red Label for more challenging sample types, such as proteins, surfactant solutions, and low solid content samples.

What do you need to know?

With the new Zetasizer Advance Selector, you can determine the configuration that best fits your research needs! The essence of the Selector is to help you assess your needs based on the desired sensitivity and versatility for your sample analysis. All of the following questions help weigh these two aspects and provide a result or a list of preferred systems. The first four questions focus on versatility while questions about your sample focus on sensitivity.

Versatility

  • Where will your Zetasizer be used?
    • Research environments will give preference to the versatility and extra insight with the Ultra. A QC/QA environment could benefit from the Lab or Pro which may tell you enough to make a decision about product quality.
  • If you are replacing or supplementing an existing system please choose the model from below or select “not applicable”
    • As a result of prior experience, this question serves to make a connection and comparison between the old and new instruments.
    • Legacy 90-degree and uV systems might be better matched with the current 90-degree system, Zetasizer Lab – Blue Label
    • The Legacy ZS/ZSE systems, however, might more closely match the blue Zetasizer Pro or Ultra with Non-invasive backscattering detection (173-degree detector)
    • A Legacy ZSP would closely match the Pro and Ultra – Red labels for more sensitive samples
    • If you currently have an Ultra or a Pro, then maybe you are simply looking to add another one to your lab
  • What do you want the Zetasizer to tell you about your sample? (Select as many as possible)
    • All the new Advance systems can measure size and zeta potential. However, if you want to measure concentration, then you will benefit from the Ultra – Red Label.
    • If you only select Zeta Potential, then you might benefit from a cost-effective Zetasizer Lab.
  • If you are using your existing system in a QA/QC department, is it important that the new system provides consistency of results compared to a previously used system?
    • The new Lab-Blue label will help compare to legacy 90-degree systems.
    • The Pro-Red label will help analyze weakly scattering samples such as biomolecules.

Sensitivity

  • Which of the following best describes your sample material?
    • The Blue label could, for example, potentially benefit
      • Slurries/Dispersions > 5% solids
      • Emulsions/Lipid Suspension
    • The Red label, on the other hand, could potentially benefit
      • Natural Polymers/Proteins > 10 mg/mL
      • Environmental Samples (Aqueous)
      • Dilute nanoparticle/colloidal systems
  • What is the expected size range of your sample?
    • <100 and <500 nm will benefit from Red labels including multi-angle dynamic light scattering (MADLS) (Ultra – Blue and Red label) and particle concentration (Ultra – Red label) with the Ultra
    • >500 nm could benefit from a Lab or a Pro – learn more about the upper limits for size measurements here. You can also learn more about the low-volume disposable sizing cell here.
    • Various/Unknown – could benefit from the Pro and Ultra – Red Label due to the sensitivity of Non-invasive backscatter.
  • Whether or not they fluoresce in red light
    • If you need a fluorescent filter, then you will benefit from the Pro and Ultra with backscattering detection.

Additional Resources to help you make your decision!

Find your perfect Zetasizer