Inaugural Particle & Molecular Characterization Summit
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Chief Technology Officer Malvern Instruments Title of presentation: ‘New Particle’ Characterization Challenges – Physico-Chemical Measurement Needs for Emerging Industries
Dr. E. Neil Lewis received his Ph.D. in chemistry from the Polytechnic of Wales in the UK and did his postdoctoral fellowship at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the USA. He was tenured by the NIH in 1992 holding the position of Senior Biophysical Researcher. In 1999 he founded Spectral Dimensions, Inc., a company that developed hyperspectral imaging systems and has been at the forefront of the development of these technologies. He has authored more that 70 papers and patents and has received numerous awards for his contributions including the Meggers Award in 1992, and again in 1994, presented by the Society for Applied Spectroscopy; the Heinrich award in 1995 presented by the Microbeam Analysis Society; The Outstanding Contribution to the Physical Sciences award in 1997 presented by the Washington Academy of Sciences and the 2004 Williams-Wright Award presented by the Coblentz Society to a person who has made significant contributions to the field of vibrational spectroscopy while working in industry. In 2007 he was awarded an Honorary D.Sc. from the University of Glamorgan and he is the 2009 recipient of the Anachem Award presented by the Association of Analytical Chemists. The award is presented annually to an outstanding analytical chemist for teaching, research, administration or other activity which has advanced the art and science of the field. After the sale of Spectral Dimensions to Malvern Instruments he was subsequently appointed to their Board of Directors as Technical Director and currently heads up the Company’s product development group. Abstract for presentation: The emergence and strong growth of the biotechnology and nanotechnology industries in recent years have highlighted the need for new and enhanced particle measurement technologies, particularly as they relate to the biopharmaceutical and other regulated industries. Almost assuredly the definition of ‘particle characterization’ has changed significantly and now encompasses a variety of self-assembled or naturally occurring biomaterials such as proteins and protein complexes, liposomes, viruses as well as procaryotic and eucaryotic cells. The need for non-invasive, non-destructive physico-chemical characterization methodologies with the sensitivity and resolution that cover many orders of magnitude of size, are mission critical for both the development and quality control of a variety of nano and biotechnology products. In this presentation I will highlight some of the key particle measurement challenges facing these industries and link the application of several of Malvern’s analytical measurement platforms with solving some of those challenges. |
Materials Science and Engineering
The Pennsylvania State University
Title of presentation: Monitoring Particle Dispersion in Complex Fluids Using Dynamic Light Scattering and Fluorescence Microscopy
Bio:
James H. Adair is Director of the National Science Foundation Particulate Materials Center and an Associate Professor in Materials Science and Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University. His research and teaching interests include colloid and interfacial chemistry, material synthesis and chemistry, powder characterization, and powder processing.
Dr. Adair received his B.S. in Chemistry and M.S. and Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, all from the University of Florida. From 1981-1982, he was a Fulbright Post-doctoral Fellow at the University of Western Australia in the Department of Soil Science and the Royal Perth Hospital. Dr. Adair was a faculty member from 1990 to 1997 at the University of Florida. He has also held research positions at Battelle Columbus Laboratories and the Materials Research Laboratory at Penn State. Dr. Adair is the author or co-author of over 140 publications, six patents, and several copyrights on computer software. He has been chair or co-chair of multiple symposia related to materials chemistry, colloid and powder processing science at American Ceramic Society and American Chemical Society meetings. He is also the co-editor of five books including the Handbook of Characterization Techniques for the Solid-Solution Interface.
Dr. Adair has memberships in the American Ceramic Society as a Fellow, American Chemical Society, Materials Research Society, and the New York Academy of Sciences. He is past Chair of the Basic Science Division of the American Ceramic Society and has served in various capacities in the American Ceramic Society at both the local and national level. He was named one of the International Men of Achievement in 1996. Dr. Adair has also received recognition for his inventions by both Battelle Memorial Institute and Cabot Corporation. He received several teaching awards for innovations in teaching while on the faculty at the University of Florida from 1990 to 1997.
Abstract for presentation:
Colloidal stability is an essential component in the design of any particulate material system, but even more so for particles formulated to deliver optical imaging agents or drugs for in vitro or in vivo applications. In the current work we examine the colloidal stability and specific interactions of fluorophore encapsulated in calcium phosphosilicate nanocolloids (CPSNPs) in media of increasing physiological complexity from simple electrolyte solutions to fetal bovine serum and cell culture media. We employ a combination of methods including dynamic light scattering and nanoparticle tracking systems combined with fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. It is demonstrated that the PEG functionalized CPSNPs are quite stable because the polyethylene(glycol) mitigates specific interactions while citrate functionalized CPSNPs agglomerate with specific proteins because of local electrostatic and covalent interactions. Other surface functionalization that will be reported include anti-bodies and short chain polypeptides used in the targeting of breast and pancreatic cancer in vitro and in vivo. The type and nature of the bio-conjugated organics on the CPSNPs are critical in the design of nanoparticles that are colloidally stable in the complex, physiological environments.
Applications/Product Specialist – Small-angle X-ray Scattering
PANalytical B.V.
Title of presentation: Nanoparticle size distribution determination by small-angle X-Ray scattering on a multi-purpose X-ray diffractometer platform
Bio:
Joerg holds a degree in Chemistry and a doctorate in colloid science, both obtained from Karlsruhe University in Germany. In 2006 he joined PANalytical in the Netherlands as an applications specialist. Based on a multi-purpose X-ray diffractometer platform – allowing for applications ranging from powder diffraction, to thin film analysis and computed tomography – he has been involved in integrating the additional technique of small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) for nanoparticle sizing in liquid dispersions, powders, and nanocomposites. Currently his focus lies on extending the application towards the determination of nanoparticle structures and shapes. The next major challenge is to integrate a SAXS camera attachment on the diffractometer platform so as to bring the application to a performance level challenging that of dedicated SAXS instruments.
In his doctoral studies he used the SAXS technique to investigate the adsorption of surfactants on colloidal polymer particles. During 1997-2001 he worked as a Postdoctor at leading research institutes in Japan and Korea, where he applied various X-ray analytical techniques at synchrotron radiation facilities. His works comprised the study of lipid membrane structures in liquid dispersion and in thin films, as well as the characterization of low-k materials. In 2002 he rejoined Karlsruhe University as a senior researcher, where he was involved in industrial projects on the structural analysis of emulsion polymers with SAXS, and also in time-resolved synchrotron SAXS investigations on the formation and growth of amorphous calcium carbonate nanoparticles. During 2003-2006 he joined INTERPOLYMER Sàrl in France where he worked as an applications chemist on emulsion polymers as binders in various types of specialty paint and lacquer formulations.
Joerg holds a degree in Chemistry and a doctorate in colloid science, both obtained from Karlsruhe University in Germany. In 2006 he joined PANalytical in the Netherlands as an applications specialist. Based on a multi-purpose X-ray diffractometer platform – allowing for applications ranging from powder diffraction, to thin film analysis and computed tomography – he has been involved in integrating the additional technique of small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) for nanoparticle sizing in liquid dispersions, powders, and nanocomposites. Currently his focus lies on extending the application towards the determination of nanoparticle structures and shapes. The next major challenge is to integrate a SAXS camera attachment on the diffractometer platform so as to bring the application to a performance level challenging that of dedicated SAXS instruments.
In his doctoral studies he used the SAXS technique to investigate the adsorption of surfactants on colloidal polymer particles. During 1997-2001 he worked as a Postdoctor at leading research institutes in Japan and Korea, where he applied various X-ray analytical techniques at synchrotron radiation facilities. His works comprised the study of lipid membrane structures in liquid dispersion and in thin films, as well as the characterization of low-k materials. In 2002 he rejoined Karlsruhe University as a senior researcher, where he was involved in industrial projects on the structural analysis of emulsion polymers with SAXS, and also in time-resolved synchrotron SAXS investigations on the formation and growth of amorphous calcium carbonate nanoparticles. During 2003-2006 he joined INTERPOLYMER Sàrl in France where he worked as an applications chemist on emulsion polymers as binders in various types of specialty paint and lacquer formulations.
Abstract for presentation:
Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) is a very powerful and versatile technique that allows to study structures in a large variety of nanomaterials. In particular it can be applied to determine the size distribution of crystalline or amorphous nanoparticles in a size range of typically 1-100 nm.
There has been a continuous development of the experimental method and theory of SAXS since the late 1930′s. However, until recently it has been applied mainly by specialized experts in academia and was commonly not well known, or perceived as very difficult to use. With the advent of modern, commercial X-ray analytical instrumentation and analysis software, SAXS is now increasingly being applied at universities and in industry as a complementary technique to the well-established methods of light scattering, X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, ultracentrifugation, etc.
In this presentation a short introduction to the SAXS technique will be given, and it will be compared and contrasted with the other particle sizing techniques. It will be explained how it can be applied on a multi-purpose X-ray diffractometer platform. Several application examples will be discussed, demonstrating the possibilities and limitations of SAXS for the size distribution determination in liquid nanoparticle dispersions, nano-powders, and nanocomposites. It will also be shown that multimodal size distributions and particle aggregation effects can be revealed. Furthermore, the technique allows for the specific surface area determination of nanoparticles. When performing SAXS measurements on an absolute intensity scale, the mass density of nanoparticles in liquid dispersion can be estimated. An example for the structural analysis of a core-shell particle will also be given. Finally, the potential of SAXS to study the structure of proteins in dilute solution will be highlighted.
Bioprocess Analytical Scientist
Genzyme Corporation
Title of presentation: Subvisible Particles Detection and Quantitation as a Result of Protein Aggregation: Methods of Characterization
Bio:
Dr. Chou is a Bioprocess Analytical Scientist at Genzyme Corportion. He has technical experience in therapeutic protein formulation development as well as strategies for increasing protein solubility, stability and elucidation of protein aggregation/self-association and degradation mechanisms. His expertise is in the study of protein-protein and ligand-protein interactions using laser light scattering, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) as well as fluorescene spectroscopy. Protein formulation, fill & finish process development, bioprocess development, analytical method development, technology transfer, and manufacturing support are a few of his specialties. Dr. Chou received his PhD in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology at the University of Colorado at Denver.
Abstract for presentation:
Protein therapeutics represent a large and growing segment of the therapeutic medicinal market. Sub-visible particles present in these products are a product quality attribute and a potential patient safety concern yet to be fully explored. Early and consistent particle detection, quantitation and control throughout the product life cycle of these drugs from development to commercial lot release is critical in mitigating any concerns. This requires appropriate analytical methods which can be applied to biopharmaceuticals across a large variety of protein concentrations and modes of administration. In this presentation an overview of a strategy to utilize complimentary methods and techniques at different phases of product development is discussed.
Vice President of Analytical Services
Particle Technology Labs (PTL)
Title of presentation: Tales from the Service Lab Trenches……
Challenging Samples for Laser Diffraction and How to Overcome Them
Bio:
William (Bill) Kopesky has ten years experience in the field of fine particle technology. He holds a B.S. degree in Biology and Earth Science from Central Michigan University and a Professional Science Masters degree in Analytical Chemistry from the Illinois Institute of Technology. Mr. Kopesky is currently the Vice President of Analytical Services at Particle Technology Labs (PTL) and has been with the company the past ten years, where he started as an entry-level analyst. Mr. Kopesky’s experience at PTL has allowed exposure to a tremendous variety of particle characterization topics and projects. Particle Technology Labs is a leading, independent contract/service laboratory that specializes in fine particle characterization based in Chicago, IL.
Abstract for presentation:
Laser Diffraction is one of the most widely used analytical techniques for determination of particle size distributions. As a service laboratory, PTL has the opportunity to undertake a wide variety of projects and analytical challenges using the Laser Diffraction technique. In this talk we will look at just a few interesting case studies, which used laser diffraction to provide solutions to both pharmaceutical and industrial clients. Examples of particle isolation from a mixed population, the requirement for proper dispersion and sample preparation will be highlighted.
Assistant Professor of Physics
Dept. of Physics, University of South Florida, Tampa FL
Title of presentation: Using Light Scattering To Study Self-Assembly of Amyloid Fibrils
Bio:
Dr. Muschol received his PhD in Physics from City University of New York, NY and is currently an Assistant Professor of Physics at the University of South Florida in Tampa. He has been an invited speaker for numerous conferences and is a member of the American Physical Society (1989), Biophysical Society (1997), Society of General Physiologists (1999), Society of Neuroscience (2003), and the Society of Endocrinology (2009).
Abstract for presentation:
Accumulation of insoluble protein fibrils is a critical indicator of both organ-specific and systemic human disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and type-II diabetes. Understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms regulating and promoting the formation of amyloid fibrils in vitro and in vivo, represents a critical step towards devising effective treatment strategies and towards developing effective protocols for screening promising drug candidates.
We have studied molecular aspects of amyloid self-assembly using the model protein hen egg-white lysozyme, a small enzyme of approx. 14 kD. Human variants of this enzyme are responsible for cases of multi-organ amyloidosis. Combining in-situ dynamic light scattering (DLS) with atomic force microscopy (AFM), fluorescence spectroscopy and circular dichroism we have investigated the kinetics and morphology of lysozyme amyloid self-assembly in vitro. We will discuss results suggesting that competition between net charge repulsion and short-range attraction (hydrophobic interactions, van-der Waals forces, etc) among the partially denatured protein molecules will select the specific pathway fibril self-assembly of lysozyme will follow.
Associate Director
Particle Engineering Research Center, University of Florida
Title of presentation: Laser Diffraction and Dynamic Light Scattering – User Perspective
Bio:
Dr. Powers served 20 years in the US Air Force as a jet instructor and tactical pilot, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, and Operational Software Test manager from 1973 – 1993. After earning his doctorate in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Florida in 1998 he joined the NSF Particle Engineering Research Center as an associate director for R&D facilities. Dr. Powers supervises the 6 member technical staff of the Particle Science Center in conducting basic and applied research into all aspects of particle technology. Center projects include the synthesis, processing, dispersion and characterization of particulate systems from the nanometer scale and up. He orchestrates numerous projects for the Particle Center’s industry partners involving analytical services, applied research and testing contracts. He also supervises a group of undergraduate, graduate students and postdoctoral candidates in several multidisciplinary research projects and teaches courses in engineering design and particle technology. His research interests include sol gel synthesis of materials, synthesis of high aspect ratio particulates, characterization of particulate systems, photocatalyst systems, nanotoxicity of particles, image analysis and light scattering. He is past secretary of ISO SC/4 TC24 subcommittee on “Particle Characterization” and serves as a member of the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) to ISO TC229, “Nanotechnologies”.
Current projects include:
a) Toxicology of nanomaterials
b) Particle Characterization in biological environments
c) High aspect ratio new generation obscurants
d) Photocatalysis
e) Synthesis of nanomaterials by flow techniques
f) Particle Process Analytical Technology
g) Nano milling/Nano dispersion
Abstract for presentation:
Both Laser Diffraction and Dynamic light scattering have been workhorses in particle size analysis for over two decades. They are available from many instrument manufacturers as reasonably priced and useful instruments for particle analysis in a wide range of industrial settings. However, strides in making such instruments user friendly sometimes undermine the understanding necessary to properly collect and interpret size data obtained from light scattering. In this presentation, we will discuss what users should understand about the strengths and limitations of these techniques, the training necessary to use them effectively, and what expectations and/or pitfalls that the typical analyst might experience.
On-line applications of Particle size – PAT – not as hard as we think
Professor Mechanical Engineering
School of Mechanical Engineering
Purdue University
Title of presentation: Characterizing Sprays Formed from Non-Newtonian Liquids
Bio:
Dr. Sojka has been awarded nearly 50 spray related research grants and contracts (out of a total of more than 75) during the past 27 years. About 35 of those have been from industry. This support has resulted in nearly 40 spray related graduate student theses with another 9 graduate students being supported at this time. Of the students graduated, 20 are in industry and 3 are continuing their education. Finally, almost 40 undergraduate students have performed independent study work on related topics. This work has resulted in over 120 archival journal and conference proceeding papers.
Prof. Sojka has also been active in developing and maintaining ties with industry. He has designed atomizers for 14 companies, and consulted with an additional 8 on spray and particulate-related matters. Dr. Sojka developed an Atomization and Sprays Short Course that has been presented to ten industries, including those manufacturing gas turbine fuel injectors, Diesel engine fuel injectors, consumer products, food products, pharmaceutical/medicinals, paint sprays, agricultural fertilizers and pesticides, petrochemicals, and combustion systems. He also developed and teaches a graduate course at Purdue, in Germany (TU-Karlsruhe) and Korea (Korea University) entitled “Spray Applications and Theory,” and is has co-developed a short course on the spray aspects of pharmaceutical tablet pan coating. He has given invited lectures on various spray topics in the US, in Austria, in Germany, in Scotland, in Switzerland, and in Wales. He is the holder of one patent with one additional filing.
Abstract for presentation:
Forward light scattering instruments have proved invaluable for characterizing sprays made from non-Newtonian liquids. A key advantage is that accurate measurements don’t require knowledge of the drop refractive index. This is critically important when spray coating pharmaceutical tablets, processing starches for spray drying, and injecting slurries into incinerators, plus any number of other applications.
This presentation will summarize 25 years of experience using forward light scattering instruments to study sprays formed from non-Newtonian liquids. The three examples will be spraying coal-water slurries (CWS) into gas turbine engines, spraying polymer laden liquids for pharmaceutical tablet coating, and forming starch sprays for drying. In each case, the central role of forward light scattering instrumentation will be emphasized, and the information these instruments produced highlighted.
Chief Technology Officer
CleanWell Company
Title of presentation: Size and Zeta Measurements of Environmentally Friendly Cleaning Agents
Bio:
Dr. Larry Weiss is a widely published physician, scientist and expert in the chemistry of natural products, infection control and epidemiology (the study of the causes and patterns of illness). After years of working at the intersection of technology, healthcare, and behavior, Dr. Weiss recognized CleanWell as a unique opportunity to prevent illness rather than treat it. Inspired by the science behind CleanWell, he now works to empower people with information, tools and products to make better decisions and support a healthy lifestyle.
He is a graduate of Cornell University and Stanford Medical School and had served as a NIH Fellow, clinician, academic, and teacher.
Abstract for presentation:
Successes in extending life expectancy and improvements in the quality of life have to a large extent been due to our increased understanding of how many diseases work and how they often may be prevented with simple hygiene. Over the last years in the western world this has led to ever more powerful disinfectants and the inclusion of synthetic antimicrobials like triclosan and quaternary ammonium compounds into a wide range of everyday cleaners and consumer products. Mimicking nature we have developed a patented formulation of thyme and other naturally occurring essential plant oils that are effective against a wide range of bacteria, fungi, and viral species. During research, development and manufacturing of our CleanWell family of products we employ dynamic light scattering and zeta potential measurements to optimize the emulsion and bioavailability of these botanical active ingredients. We have found a number of interesting correlations between these parameters and product performance and stability.
Product Manager – Diffraction Products
Malvern Instruments
Title of presentation: Using Laser Diffraction to Generate Realistic Product Specifications
Bio:
Paul has a degree in chemistry and a Ph.D. in Colloid Science, both obtained at Nottingham University in the UK. He joined Malvern Instruments in 1997 as part of the acoustics team and started working with spray-based laser diffraction measurements in 1999. In 2002 he became product manager for diffraction products, including the Spraytec and Mastersizer 2000 products.
Abstract for presentation:
The measurement of particle size is not an end in its self, but is carried out to provide users a better understanding of the products they are developing or producing. This raises important questions relating not only to how the product under test should best be measured, but also to which parameters from the size distribution should be used to specify product quality. In this talk, we’ll consider the different particle size parameters generated by laser diffraction, and how realistic specifications can be generated using these.
Principal Scientist – Bioanalytics
Malvern Instruments
Title of presentation: Complementarity Between DLS & SEC In The Characterization Of Protein Therapeutics For FDA Submissions
Bio:
Dr. Mattison completed his doctorate in biological chemistry at Purdue University in 1999, where he studied the effects of polyelectrolyte additives on the stability and activity of transport proteins and enzymes. From there he joined Protein Solutions in Charlottesville Virginia as the Applications Development and Technical Support Manager, and was instrumental in helping to drive the adoption of sub-micron light scattering techniques from esoteric technologies into a main stream laboratory tools. Following Protein Solutions’ acquisition by Rheometric Scientific and the subsequent merger with Aviv Instruments, Dr. Mattison took on the role of Managing Director of Research & Development of the Life Science group of Rheometric Scientific. In 2002 Dr. Mattison joined Malvern Instruments, where he served as Applications Manager, Product Manager, and Director of Customer Support, prior to assuming his current position as Principle Scientist – Bioanalytical in the Strategic Technology Development Group. He has 23 publications in the applications of light scattering technologies for the study of biomolecules, and during his 11 years of industrial experience has become an expert and international spokesman for the advancement of light scattering techniques in the characterization of protein and biopolymer therapeutics.
Abstract for presentation:
Quantification of protein aggregates in pharmaceutical formulations is assessed almost exclusively using conventional column calibrated size exclusion chromatography (SEC). Despite historical acceptance, conventional SEC is fraught with complications, including but not limited to the assumption of the absence of column-protein electrostatic interactions and the assumption of shape similarity between the target analyte and the calibration standards. In addition, immunogenicity studies indicate that immune responses are often correlated not just with the MW or aggregation number but also with the size of the protein aggregate. In fact, current FDA recommendations suggest measurements of not only the mass and quantity, but also of the aggregate size, confirmed with orthogonal methods. Triple detection SEC (light scattering + UV/RI + viscometer) partially satisfies these recommendations by providing absolute measurements of the size, mass, and quantity of both low MW oligomers and higher order oligomers/aggregates in a protein formulation. Batch dynamic light scattering completes the solution by providing non-invasive quantitative information regarding the presence of potentially immunogenic higher order aggregates and particulates in the 100 nm to 1 um size range that cannot be covered with SEC. This paper highlights the use of these complimentary techniques to identify and quantify aggregates in protein formulations across the entire sub-visible size range of 1 nm to 1 um.
Applications Specialist
Malvern Instruments
Title of presentation: Particle Interactions and Formulation Stability Optimization of Colloidal Systems
Bio:
Ana received her Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in 1986. She established and managed a Cross Group Colloid and Surface Science Laboratory at PPG Industries where she carried out research in New Materials Research for 12 years prior to joining Malvern Instruments in 1999. During her years in New Materials Research she was the primary inventor of three U.S. patents and received two PPG research awards. She was a National Officer of the American Chemical Society for 12 years (1989-2001) and was Chairman of the Colloid and Surface Chemistry Division of American Chemical Society in 1996. She has authored 16 technical publications on light scattering and zeta potential analysis in material characterization, water treatment, biotech and nanotech applications. In 1998 she was presented with the distinguished Alumna Award for Professional Service in Science by the University of Massachusetts. She was also presented the 2000 Cornerstone Award in Chemistry by Chatham University. Since January 2000, Ana has been an Adjunct Faculty member in the Chemical Engineering Department at Carnegie Mellon University and is currently a New Business Development Specialist for Nanometrics, Malvern Instruments Inc.
Abstract for presentation:
Zeta potential is an important predictor of dispersion stability. Zeta potential is a function of both the particle surface and the dispersant and is therefore an important predictor of the interfacial behavior of a multicomponent formulated product. Most materials that are chemical in nature like pharmaceutical, paint, paper, cosmetic, polishing abrasive and a wide variety of other products are processed as multi-component formulated products. These products are made up of polymers, metal oxides, oils and waxes or drug excipients along with surfactants, polyelectrolytes or surface active chemistries that have important surface active characteristics. It is the particle-particle interactions in these complex systems that control formulation stability and can ultimately affect the control of the final product properties. Zeta potential allows for the study of particle-particle interactions. It also provides valuable information about the surface activity and optimizing the surface interfacial behavior of the particle surface/material interface using surface active chemistries. In the objectives of this talk are to discuss zeta potential and the control of formulation stability during product development.
Product Specialist
Malvern Instruments
Title of presentation:Basic Characterization of Biomolecules
Bio:
Dr. Ulf Nobbmann received his Ph.D. in colloidal physics from Oklahoma State University and has since focused on light scattering from biological molecules and nano particles. He joined Malvern Instruments in 2003, where his current role is Specialist for Nanometrics, involved in training and development of application knowledge and expertise.
Abstract for presentation:
Dynamic light scattering (DLS, PCS, QELS) is a versatile and non-destructive measurement technique and ideally suited as a metrology of choice for size, stability and identification of protein molecules and aggregates in solution. The method is rapid and highly sensitive, requires very little sample, and may be employed either standalone (in “batch mode”) or in conjunction with chromatographic separation (in “flow mode”). In DLS intensity fluctuations due to Brownian motion of the scattering objects are analyzed and lead to a characteristic decay of the obtained autocorrelation function. This function can be inverted to obtain the hydrodynamic size of the scattering objects in solution, requiring no sample modification, labeling or tagging.
The size of a molecule is directly related to its molecular weight, and for a wide range of biomolecules, prediction of the oligomeric state is possible via a quick DLS measurement. This empirical relationship has found applications in protein research, for example in structural biology where the likelihood of crystallization success is linked to the polydispersity of the size distribution under dilute conditions. DLS has (almost) become ubiquitous in biology/chemistry/physics and can serve as an orthogonal method or supporting tool used with analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC), small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), or size exclusion chromatography (SEC).
Divisional Manager – Applications Support in the US
Malvern Instruments
Title of presentation: Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. What it means to Mie
Bio:
Dr. Rawle is Malvern Instrument’s Divisional Manager – Applications Support in the US. Alan has a degree in Industrial Chemistry and a Ph.D. in catalysis, which was where he first encountered the topic of particle size. He developed a career in liquid crystal displays engineering, electro optics and lasers, followed by three and a half years in technology transfer based at the Royal Signals and Radar Establishment.
He joined Malvern Instruments 1990, and his current role involves assisting customers in their applications, key account support, laboratory supervision, writing, submitting & presenting peer-reviewed papers, writing application notes, and attending conferences. He also has links with international bodies such as NIST, ISO, ASTM.
Abstract for presentation:
The interaction of light with matter is the basis for a variety of phenomena exhibited on the earth, its atmosphere and other planetary and galactic systems. Understanding these effects allows literally hundreds of everyday observations to be understood. This introductory talk will deal with phenomena such as the weather, halos and colored sunsets, the rainbow, Saturn’s rings, the Venusian atmosphere, as well as the colors of colloidal metals, lunar agglutinates and interstellar dust.
We’ll take in global warming in respect of size, shape and concentration of atmospheric dust. We’ll look at volcanic eruptions from Krakatoa to Eyjafjallajokull (if I can spell both correctly). We’ll look at the size and shape of ice crystals in the upper atmosphere and in cirrus clouds. We’ll look at the Brocken Spectre (not Phil Spector) and we’ll see how our eyes can be trained to see the polarization of light via Haidinger’s Brush. Obviously we’ll explain why the sky is blue, but also when and how it can be green. We’ll look at Purple of Cassius and colloidal gold….
And it’ll all be down to Mie to explain it all……
Application Development Manager Pharmaceuticals
Malvern Instruments
Title of presentation: Particle Sizing – Proven Technology for Process Control
Bio:
Alon Vaisman is Application Development Manager Pharmaceuticals for Malvern Instruments. Based at the company’s offices in Westborough MA, USA, he supports pharmaceutical manufacturers world-wide in developing and improving their process operations through the use of in-process particle characterization systems. Alon’s background is in Mechanical Engineering and he has over 15 years of applications and support experience.
Abstract for presentation:
Want to make better quality product and lower costs? The answer to this question is rather obvious. However, improvements affecting these and other variables such as reducing waste and minimizing cost, are rarely achieved without a greater level of process understanding and control. Bringing traditional analytical techniques closer to the process is a way to accomplish this and more. The implementation of on-line Laser Diffraction and real-time process control can maximize the efficiency and eliminate out-of-spec production. Learn how many companies are actively using on-line particle size monitoring to control their process and improve quality, yield and profit. It may be easier than you think!
Key Account Technical Specialist
Malvern Instruments
Title of presentation: Here Be Monsters – Avoiding Common Problems in Laser Diffraction Measurements
Bio:
Dr. Steve Ward-Smith, who having been product technical specialist for Laser Diffraction for the last 12 years at Malvern Instruments, has recently taken up the post of Technical Specialist for the support of Malvern’s Key Accounts. He has worked for Malvern since 1995, prior to which he did a degree in Chemistry at Manchester University, a Masters degree in Biomolecular Technology at Leicester University and a PhD at Nottingham University – looking at food emulsion structure using laser diffraction, zeta potential and rheology.
Abstract for presentation:
If you keep an eye on a few simple things it is very easy to obtain repeatable representative laser diffraction measurements, however if care isn’t taken problems can result. In this presentation we will illustrate with real data some of the common problems encountered using real data and how you can navigate yourself away from the “monsters”.
Diffraction Product Manager
Malvern Instruments
Title of presentation:Laser Diffraction to Replace Sieving on a Narrow Distribution
Bio:
Mr. Wolfgang has a wealth of experience in the use of particle characterization equipment to solve real life industrial product and process problems. For over 10 years, Joe has worked closely with customers in the pharmaceutical, chemicals, foods, ceramics and other industries to provide them with the equipment and know-how to get the most from their particle characterization methods. After receiving his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Clarkson University (Potsdam, NY), he has worked in industries requiring particle size control, including drug delivery devices and automotive catalyst production. Joe joined the Malvern particle characterization team in 2008 as Laser Diffraction Particle Sizing Product Manager, and directs our efforts for assisting customers in our pre and post sales efforts for this core technology in Malvern’s product portfolio.
Abstract for presentation:
We show the actual process of correlating Mastersizer 2000 results to sieve data, for an extremely narrow size distribution. Once this is done, we test the absolute limits of diffraction oversize particle detection ability.
Keynote
