Comprehensive nanoparticle size characterization and distribution analysis to accelerate your material research.
Precise determination of particle size and size distribution is the cornerstone of nanotechnology. It directly influences the stability, biodistribution, cellular uptake, and overall efficacy of nanomaterials. Leveraging a suite of advanced analytical platforms, from dynamic light scattering to high-resolution electron microscopy, BOC Sciences provides rigorous nanoparticle size analysis services. We go beyond simple average diameter measurements; we deliver deep insights into polydispersity, aggregation states, and morphological consistency, ensuring your materials meet the exacting standards required for advanced research and industrial applications.
Common Difficulties in Nanoparticle SizingWe provide standardized testing for routine samples, delivering rapid, comparable, and reliable data to support your R&D and quality control decisions.
BOC Sciences offers in-depth characterization for complex systems or high-end materials, going beyond single-dimensional data to support advanced R&D needs.
We focus on effective size performance in real-world application environments, providing reliable data for product performance evaluation.
BOC Sciences monitors dynamic changes in particle size, supporting product development, formulation optimization, and shelf-life management decisions.
We provide targeted size analysis to support process optimization and scale-up, ensuring production is consistent and well-controlled.
BOC Sciences delivers tailored solutions for non-standard samples or novel materials, meeting your specific characterization needs.
Instrument: Laser light scattering instrument
Principle: Measures the time-dependent fluctuations of scattered light caused by Brownian motion of particles in solution to calculate the hydrodynamic diameter.
Typical Applications:
Instrument: Microscopy-based particle tracking instrument
Principle: Tracks individual particle trajectories in solution to determine particle size distribution and concentration.
Typical Applications:
Instrument: Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Atomic Force Microscope (AFM)
Principle: Direct visualization of particle morphology and size to obtain high-resolution images.
Typical Applications:
Instrument: Static Light Scattering (SLS) instrument, Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) instrument, Small Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS) instrument
Principle: Measures scattering intensity as a function of angle for light, X-rays, or neutrons to calculate particle size and structural information.
Typical Applications:
BOC Sciences delivers reliable, data-driven size characterization reports to support your product development. From initial screening to batch-to-batch consistency checks, we are your analytical partner.
Different materials behave differently in suspension and under electron beams. We tailor our analysis protocols based on the material composition, expected size range (1 nm to microns), and shape (spherical, rod, plate). Our expertise covers a wide spectrum of nanomaterials:
| Nanoparticle Type | Characterization Solutions | Analysis Coverage |
| Metal Nanoparticles | TEM, DLS, UV-Vis, Zeta Potential | Particle size and morphology, dispersion, surface charge, optical properties, elemental composition, surface functional groups |
| Metal Oxide Nanoparticles | TEM, XRD, DLS, Zeta Potential | Particle size and morphology, crystallinity, surface area, dispersion, surface chemistry |
| Silica Nanoparticles | TEM, DLS, BET, Zeta Potential | Particle size and morphology, surface area, dispersion, surface functional groups, surface modification evaluation |
| Polymeric Nanoparticles | DLS, SEM/TEM, Zeta Potential, FTIR | Particle size and distribution, morphology, surface charge, functional group analysis, surface modification, hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity |
| Lipid Nanoparticles / Liposomes | DLS, Cryo-TEM, NTA, Zeta Potential | Particle size and distribution, morphology, surface charge, stability, encapsulation efficiency, thermal stability |
| Carbon-Based Nanoparticles | AFM, TEM, Raman, Zeta Potential | Particle size and morphology, layer number/thickness, surface functional groups, surface area, dispersion |
| Quantum Dots | TEM, Fluorescence, UV-Vis, DLS | Particle size and morphology, dispersion, optical properties, emission characteristics, surface chemistry |
| Magnetic Nanoparticles | VSM, TEM, XRD, DLS | Particle size and morphology, dispersion, magnetic properties, crystallinity, surface charge |
Standard size measurements often fail when dealing with complex real-world samples. BOC Sciences addresses specific technical bottlenecks to provide data that reflects the true state of your material:
✔ High Polydispersity Samples
Standard DLS often biases towards larger particles. We employ NTA or fractionation (AF4) to resolve distinct size populations and provide a true number-weighted distribution.
✔ Aggregation vs. Large Particles
Distinguishing between a large primary particle and a cluster of small particles is critical. We use imaging techniques (TEM/SEM) to visualize boundaries and confirm the nature of the "large" signals.
✔ Low Concentration Detection
When sample quantity is scarce or concentration is low, we utilize high-sensitivity NTA or single-particle counters that require minimal sample volume compared to traditional light scattering.
✔ Complex Matrix Interference
For nanoparticles in biological media (serum, cell culture), we optimize measurement parameters or use fluorescence mode NTA to track specific particles against a high background noise.
✔ Non-Spherical Geometry
Equivalent spherical diameter can be misleading for rods or plates. We provide comprehensive aspect ratio analysis using automated image processing of electron microscopy data.
✔ Batch-to-Batch Consistency
We establish rigorous baseline protocols to compare size distribution profiles across production batches, identifying even subtle deviations in the synthesis process.
We evaluate your sample type and data requirements to recommend the optimal analysis method (e.g., DLS vs. NTA vs. TEM).
Samples are diluted, dispersed, or mounted on grids under controlled conditions to ensure the analyte represents the bulk material accurately.
Measurements are performed using calibrated instruments. Raw data is processed using appropriate models (e.g., Mie theory) to generate size distributions.
A comprehensive report is delivered, including histograms, raw data files, representative images, and statistical analysis, followed by technical consultation.
Client: A pharmaceutical company developing RNA therapeutics.
Requirement: The client was developing Lipid Nanoparticles (LNPs) for siRNA delivery to hepatocytes. The original formulation exhibited a broad size distribution (80–250 nm) with significant batch-to-batch variability, resulting in unstable cellular uptake and gene silencing efficiency. They required precise size control and reproducible characterization to optimize delivery and support scale-up for pre-clinical studies.
Solution: BOC Sciences combined DLS and NTA to characterize size, distribution uniformity, and concentration. Simultaneously, we adjusted the LNP preparation process by optimizing lipid composition and microfluidic mixing parameters. We achieved a stable particle size of ~100 nm with a narrow distribution and implemented real-time monitoring of aggregation behavior.
Outcome: The optimized LNPs demonstrated uniform size, low aggregation, and reproducible siRNA encapsulation efficiency. Precise size control significantly improved hepatocyte uptake and gene silencing effects. The client obtained a robust, scalable preparation protocol, reducing R&D cycles and providing a reliable foundation for pre-clinical trials.
Client: A biopharma company focused on anti-tumor drug development.
Requirement: The client was developing Gold Nanoparticles (AuNPs) as targeted drug carriers for tumor delivery. The original synthesis yielded an uneven size distribution (10–50 nm) and aggregation, leading to inconsistent surface modification, which compromised drug loading and targeting binding. They needed precise size control to ensure stable, reproducible AuNP production for in vitro and animal studies.
Solution: We conducted a comprehensive assessment using high-precision size analysis combined with TEM and DLS. We optimized synthesis conditions, including gold salt concentration, reducing agent ratios, and temperature, to precisely tune the mean diameter to 20 ± 2 nm while minimizing aggregation. Surface ligand density was also quantified to ensure uniform targeting molecule coverage.
Outcome: The optimized AuNPs showed high uniformity and stability with evenly distributed targeting ligands. The particles exhibited efficient drug loading and robust targeting binding performance. The client received a scalable, standardized synthesis process, significantly boosting R&D efficiency for candidate screening.
Multi-Platform CapabilityWe operate as a one-stop analytical platform equipped with DLS, NTA, TEM, SEM, and Laser Diffraction systems, enabling selection of the most appropriate size analysis method for each material type.
Expert InterpretationBeyond delivering raw datasets, our technical specialists provide professional interpretation of size distributions, clarifying the underlying causes of polydispersity and aggregation behaviors.
High-Throughput OptionsHigh-throughput size analysis workflows are available to efficiently screen formulation libraries and rapidly identify candidates with optimal physical attributes.
Rigorous Quality StandardsStandardized operating procedures include strict instrument calibration, controlled sample handling, and multi-level data verification to ensure accuracy and reproducibility.
Customized ReportingAnalytical reports are customized to client objectives, ranging from concise QC summaries to comprehensive technical documentation supporting internal R&D decision-making.
Nanoparticle size can be measured using various techniques such as dynamic light scattering (DLS), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The choice depends on particle distribution, concentration, and medium. DLS is suitable for rapid characterization of uniform suspensions, while TEM provides precise morphology and size information. Combining methods ensures data reliability and reproducibility.
Particle size distribution directly affects material performance, stability, and functionality. A broad distribution may lead to sedimentation, aggregation, or inconsistent performance, while a uniform distribution supports stable suspensions, controlled reaction kinetics, and efficient surface activity. Accurate distribution data helps optimize preparation parameters for reproducibility and batch consistency.
Aggregation can significantly affect particle functionality. Techniques like DLS, NTA, or electron microscopy can identify aggregates and quantify aggregation degree. Metrics such as increased mean size or multimodal distribution indicate aggregation risk. Optimizing dispersants and process conditions helps reduce aggregation and improve suspension stability.
Particle size measurement is sensitive to medium conditions such as pH, ionic strength, and solvent type. Changes can alter surface charge or induce aggregation, affecting DLS or NTA results. To obtain comparable data, the medium should be strictly controlled or standardized to reflect the true particle state.
Reliable data depend on method selection, sample preparation, and repeatability verification. Uniform dispersion, controlled concentration, and stable environment are essential. Multiple measurements reduce random errors, and combining techniques like DLS and TEM can validate complex distributions. Recording conditions ensures reproducibility and comparability of results.
