Brookhaven Omni Multi-Angle Particle Size and High-Sensitivity Zeta Potential Analyzer
| Origin | USA |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | Omni |
| Price Range | USD 42,000 – 70,000 |
Overview
The Brookhaven Omni Multi-Angle Particle Size and High-Sensitivity Zeta Potential Analyzer is an advanced light-scattering platform engineered for precision characterization of colloidal dispersions across a broad range of industrial, pharmaceutical, and academic applications. It integrates three orthogonal scattering geometries—15° (forward), 90° (side), and 173° (backscattering)—with hardware-based Phase Analysis Light Scattering (PALS) technology to overcome fundamental limitations inherent in single-angle dynamic light scattering (DLS) systems. Unlike conventional frequency-shift-based electrophoretic light scattering (ELS), PALS measures phase shifts induced by particle motion under an applied electric field, delivering up to 1,000× higher sensitivity in electrophoretic mobility detection. This enables robust Zeta potential determination for low-mobility systems—including high-salt formulations, low-dielectric solvents, viscous media, and samples near their isoelectric point—where traditional ELS fails. The inclusion of backscattering optics extends the practical concentration limit to 40% w/v without dilution, eliminating artifacts associated with sample preparation and enabling direct analysis of undiluted biologics, nanosuspensions, and industrial slurries.
Key Features
- Triple-angle optical configuration (15°, 90°, and 173°) optimized for simultaneous resolution of sub-nanometer to micrometer-scale particles
- Hardware-integrated PALS detection system with APD (Avalanche Photodiode) detector for enhanced signal-to-noise ratio and sub-mV resolution in Zeta potential measurement
- Temperature-controlled cuvette chamber with ±0.1 °C stability over −5 °C to 110 °C, supporting kinetic and thermodynamic studies
- Permanent open-cell electrode design fabricated from corrosion-resistant palladium; optional chemically resistant or micro-volume electrode variants available
- High-performance correlator with 4 × 522 physical channels and 4 × 10¹¹ linear channels, featuring adaptive sampling and delay time allocation
- Laser source: 35 mW solid-state pump laser (optional 5 mW He-Ne); wavelength compliance with ISO 22412 and ASTM E2412 standards
- Comprehensive software suite (Particle Solution™) supporting automated batch analysis, trend monitoring, and multi-parameter correlation (e.g., pH, conductivity, temperature)
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Omni accommodates aqueous and non-aqueous colloids—including proteins, liposomes, exosomes, polymeric nanoparticles, latex dispersions, pigment suspensions, and ceramic slurries—with particle size ranging from 0.3 nm to 10 μm and Zeta potential from −500 mV to +500 mV. It supports conductivity levels up to 30 S/m and operates reliably across pH 1–14. Its architecture conforms to GLP/GMP documentation requirements, with full audit trail capability in Particle Solution™ software aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 electronic record and signature guidelines. All measurement protocols are traceable to NIST-traceable standards, and data outputs comply with ISO 13321 (DLS), ISO 13099 (Zeta potential), and USP and for particulate matter assessment in parenterals.
Software & Data Management
Particle Solution™ software provides unified control of size, molecular weight (342–2×10⁷ Da), and Zeta potential measurements within a single interface. It features automated quality assurance checks—including autocorrelation function validation, intensity-weighted distribution deconvolution, and mobility histogram analysis—to ensure measurement integrity. Batch processing supports time-resolved stability profiling, titration mapping (when paired with BI-ZTU autotitrator), and multivariate regression against environmental parameters. Raw correlator data, instrument logs, and metadata are stored in vendor-neutral HDF5 format, facilitating third-party integration and long-term archival per institutional data governance policies.
Applications
- Biopharmaceutical development: monitoring aggregation kinetics of monoclonal antibodies, PEGylated proteins, and mRNA-LNP formulations
- Nanomedicine: optimizing surface charge and colloidal stability of liposomal drug carriers and extracellular vesicles
- Materials science: characterizing zirconia, alumina, and silicon carbide suspensions for slip casting and additive manufacturing
- Coatings & inks: quantifying dispersion stability under shear and ionic strength variation
- Food & cosmetics: evaluating emulsion integrity, surfactant efficacy, and rheological modifiers in complex matrices
- Environmental engineering: assessing flocculation behavior of clays, activated carbon, and metal oxide nanoparticles in wastewater streams
FAQ
What is the minimum detectable electrophoretic mobility using the Omni’s PALS system?
The system achieves reliable detection down to 10⁻¹¹ m²/V·s—enabling Zeta potential measurement in high-viscosity oils, glycerol-water mixtures, and near-isoelectric protein solutions.
Can the Omni measure samples at high ionic strength without dilution?
Yes. The 173° backscatter geometry and PALS electronics allow accurate sizing and Zeta analysis at conductivities up to 30 S/m, eliminating pre-dilution errors common in conventional DLS/ELS instruments.
Is the instrument compliant with regulatory submission requirements for pharmaceutical characterization?
Yes. Particle Solution™ includes 21 CFR Part 11-compliant user access controls, electronic signatures, and immutable audit trails required for IND, NDA, and MA submission dossiers.
What accessories extend the Omni’s analytical capabilities?
Optional modules include the BI-ZTU autotitrator (for pH/conductivity/additive sweeps), BI-870 dielectric constant meter (for solvent property input), and BI-SV10 viscometer (for viscosity-corrected mobility calculations).
