Product category:
Particle size analysis equipment
News Release from: Malvern Instruments | Subject: Zetasizer Nano
Edited by the Laboratorytalk Editorial
Team on 26 October 2006
Zetasizer monitors UV Pearls for skin
protection
At nano engineering company Sol-Gel Technologies, Malvern's Zetasizer Nano particle characterisation system is proving essential in the production of a unique product for encapsulating UV filters
The Zetasizer Nano is used to measure the particle size distribution of Sol-Gel's UV Pearls product, both for process control and as part of the QC specifications of the final materials The system was selected because, of all the instruments evaluated, it gave the most reproducible results across the narrow size ranges required, from 300nm to 2microns
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
Ofer Toledano, Sol-Gel Technologies's R+D manager, explains the importance of controlling particle size: "UV filters are widely used in sunscreens, but can themselves cause skin damage.
"Our process encapsulates the UV-filter in a glass bead, retaining its UV protective properties, but preventing direct contact with the skin.
"If, on the one hand, the particle size is too large, the sun protection factor is reduced.
"If, on the other hand, it is too small, skin penetration may occur".
Production of the UV Pearls entails an emulsification process, followed by encapsulation and dispersion.
The particle size distribution of the dispersion must conform to strict specifications within a narrow range.
Particles larger than 2microns in diameter may result in non-uniform coverage of the skin since gaps between the particles will allow UV penetration.
Sol-Gel's UV Pearls are marketed by Merck and is used in a variety of sunscreen products around the world.
Malvern's Zetasizer Nano series simplifies the measurement of particle size, stability characterisation using zeta potential, and molecular weight, for a wide range of dispersions, emulsions and molecules in solution.
It is the method of choice for nano-particle applications from routine colloid size measurements to the investigation of particulates at the leading edge of materials research, says Malvern. 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
