Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA)

Particles in liquid suspension are loaded into a sample chamber, which is illuminated by a specially shaped laser beam. Particles in the path of the beam scatter the laser light which is easily collected by the 20x microscope objective and is viewed with a digital camera. The camera captures a video of the particles moving under Brownian motion. 

The Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA) software analyses many particles individually and simultaneously (particle-by-particle), and by using the Stokes-Einstein equation, calculates their hydrodynamic diameters. 

NanoSight instruments  provide high resolution nanoparticle size, count-based  concentration  and aggregation measurements while a fluorescence mode provides specific results for suitably labeled particles. With real time monitoring, subtle changes in the characteristics of particle populations are provided with all of these analyses confirmed by visual validation.

Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis uses low sample volumes with little sample preparation which, along with minimal instrument consumables, reduces running costs on a day-to-day basis.  

The technique is also non-destructive and the sample can be recovered if required.

NanoSight NTA systems support work within:

• ISO 19430:2016 Particle Tracking Analysis (PTA) Method 
• ASTM E2834-12 (2012) Standard Guide for Measurement of Particle Size Distribution of Nanomaterials in Suspension by Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA)

Some common applications for Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis include:

• Exosomes, microvesicles and extracellular vesicles characterization
• Viral vaccine research and development
• Development of drug delivery systems
• Protein aggregation studies
• Nanotoxicology