Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis
Method Introduction
Nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) is a powerful and frequently applied technique for sizing particles in liquid samples.
In NTA, the sample is illuminated by a laser beam, and a microscope camera records the light scattered by particles moving under Brownian motion. Individual particles are tracked, and their hydrodynamic size is obtained based on a modified Stokes-Einstein equation. Particle concentrations can be calculated as well, but only with moderate accuracy. For NTA of protein particles, the measurable size range is between about 50-100 nm to about 600-1,000 nm (depending on the light scattering intensity of the analyzed particles). The optimal particle concentration depends on the respective NTA system and the particle size but is generally between 10^6 and 10^10 particles/mL.
Applications
NTA is mainly a research tool for characterizing particle-based APIs (e.g., VLPs, liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles), detecting aggregates within protein formulations, or detecting total virus particles, provided the size is large enough. It delivers a better size resolution for polydisperse samples when compared to dynamic light scattering (DLS). However, protein monomers are generally too small to be detected. NTA is further employed to observe relative changes in particle concentration, e.g., during stability studies.
FTA is straightforward and quick to perform for monodispersed samples. However, analyzing polydisperse samples might require developing a method. The time needed for sample analysis and data processing is usually longer than for dynamic light scattering but shorter than for resonant mass measurement (RMM).
Quality and Biosafety Level
We provide all our analytical services with the highest quality standards. Experienced scientists carry out each project, and a scientific reviewer comprehensively checks every report or data presentation.
We offer this technology with the following quality and biosafety levels:
R&D level
We offer this method under R&D. Our GRP system assures the highest-quality research standards.
Up to biosafety level 2
This method can be applied to nucleic acids, viruses, cells, viral vectors, including lentiviruses and more.
Analytical Method Development, Qualification and Validation
For common sample types, we can often apply standardized methods with little setup effort. However, when needed, our experienced analytical experts create or optimize custom methods tailored to your active pharmaceutical ingredient, product type and development phase.
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