Product category:
Particle size analysis equipment
News Release from: Malvern Instruments | Subject: Zetasizer Nano
Edited by the Laboratorytalk Editorial
Team on 06 November 2003
Particle sizer in DNA transfection
research
This work has direct applications in understanding and improving gene delivery for therapeutic and other clinical applications, including the development of coatings for surgical implants
In a collaborative project with Professor Steve Armes at Sussex University and Andy Lewis at Biocompatibles UK, researchers in the biological physics group at the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (Umist) are using a particle characterisation system from the new Malvern Instruments Zetasizer Nano series to help understand the mechanics of DNA transfection This work has direct applications in understanding and improving gene delivery for therapeutic and other clinical applications, including the development of novel coatings for surgical implants intended to overcome issues of biocompatibility
This article was originally published on Laboratorytalk on 27 Jun 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Contributing to drug carrier research
Nanoparticle characterisation using the Zetasizer Nano from Malvern Instruments is providing essential information for researchers working on drug delivery systems at UK's newest school of pharmacy
Supporting nanoparticle technology development
Researchers at TopChim, a developer of materials and technology for the paper industry, have integrated the Zetasizer Nano into the their nanoscience development programme
Large, negatively charged DNA molecules can be difficult to transfer across cell membranes.
However, DNA can be condensed by the application of charged water soluble polymers.
The research group aims to understand the molecular processes needed to reduce the size and charge of the DNA while retaining its functionality.
The Zetasizer Nano S is being used to measure the size of DNA molecules before and after treatment.
"We chose the Zetasizer Nano S because, unlike other systems that we have looked at, it is able to measure easily particle sizes between 10 -15nm and has the sensitivity to detect these nanoparticles at low concentrations in solution," said Professor Jian Lu of Umist's biological physics group and the project's lead investigator.
"The Zetasizer Nano S allows us to quickly and accurately determine how the DNA has changed before and after complexing with the polymer molecules." The Umist system is the first Zetasizer Nano to be installed in the UK.
Launched this year, the Zetasizer Nano series includes systems that combine the most advanced technologies for particle size and molecular weight measurement of molecules and nano-sized particles.
While the Zetasizer Nano S can measure both particle size and molecular weight, the Zetasizer Nano ZS offers particle size, zeta potential and molecular weight measurement in a single instrument, and the Zetasizer Nano Z provides dedicated zeta potential measurement.
The research work at Umist is being funded by the UK's Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and represents an active collaboration between Biocompatibles UK and the two UK universities. Request a free brochure from Malvern Instruments ...
• Malvern Instruments: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Laboratorytalk email newsletter
• Laboratorytalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
