Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) is a widely used and powerful technique for the characterization of nanoparticles in solution. It is particularly effective in determining the hydrodynamic size, polydispersity, and stability of colloidal systems. DLS has become an essential tool in various scientific and industrial fields, including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, environmental science, and materials engineering.
Figure 1. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) Nanoparticle Analysis.
What is DLS?
Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) is a non-invasive, spectroscopic technique that measures the size of particles suspended in a liquid by analyzing the fluctuations in scattered light intensity. The method is based on the principle of Brownian motion, where particles move randomly in solution, causing changes in the intensity of scattered light. These fluctuations are detected and analyzed to determine the translational diffusion coefficient of the particles, which is then converted into the hydrodynamic radius using the Stokes-Einstein equation. DLS is particularly useful for characterizing nanoparticles in the range of 0.3 nm to 10 μm, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, from small molecules to large polymers and nanoparticles . The technique is also capable of measuring the concentration of nanoparticles and assessing their stability under various conditions, such as temperature, pH, and ionic strength.
Our Services
At the heart of our service are three foundational measurements that form the basis of nanoparticle characterization:
Our Services
| Our Services | Descriptions |
|---|
| Hydrodynamic diameter | This critical parameter reflects the size of a nanoparticle plus its surrounding hydration layer—essential for understanding how particles interact in liquid environments. Our instruments provide high-resolution size distribution data, including intensity-weighted, volume-weighted, and number-weighted distributions to suit your analysis needs. |
| Polydispersity Index (PDI) | PDI quantifies the uniformity of a nanoparticle population, with values ranging from 0 (monodisperse) to 1 (highly polydisperse). This metric is vital for quality control, as excessive polydispersity can indicate inconsistent manufacturing or instability. |
| Zeta potential (optional add-on) | While not a DLS measurement itself, zeta potential (a measure of surface charge) complements DLS data by explaining stability mechanisms. We offer integrated zeta potential analysis to help you correlate charge with size changes, such as aggregation triggered by charge neutralization. |
Applications of DLS in Nanoparticle Analysis
DLS has found extensive applications across multiple disciplines due to its versatility and accuracy. Some of the key applications include:
- Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Research: DLS is used to characterize nanoparticles used in drug delivery systems, such as liposomes, micelles, and polymeric nanoparticles. It helps in evaluating the stability of protein formulations, monitoring aggregation, and studying conformational changes in macromolecules.
- Materials Science: DLS is employed to analyze the size and distribution of nanoparticles in advanced materials, including polymer latex particles, thermo-responsive polymers, and nanocomposites. It is also used to study the aggregation behavior of nanoparticles under different experimental conditions.
- Environmental Science: DLS is used to investigate the behavior of nanoplastics and other environmental contaminants in water and soil. It helps in assessing the stability and aggregation of these particles in natural environments
Workflow
Synthesis and Optimization
Our Advantages
Non-Destructive
DLS is a non-invasive technique that does not alter the sample during measurement, making it suitable for studying the stability and dynamics of nanoparticles in real-time.
High Sensitivity
DLS can detect even small changes in particle size and concentration, making it ideal for monitoring subtle variations in nanoparticle systems.
Fast and Efficient
DLS measurements are typically quick and can be performed in a matter of minutes, allowing for rapid screening and analysis of multiple samples.
Summary
Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) is a powerful and versatile technique for the characterization of nanoparticles in solution. Its ability to measure the hydrodynamic size, polydispersity, and stability of colloidal systems makes it an indispensable tool in various scientific and industrial applications. Whether you are developing new nanomaterials, optimizing drug delivery systems, or monitoring environmental contaminants, DLS provides valuable insights into the physical and chemical properties of nanoparticles. By following the guidelines outlined in this service page, you can effectively utilize DLS for nanoparticle analysis and leverage its capabilities to advance your research and development efforts.
