PSS Nicomp 380 Dynamic Light Scattering Particle Sizer
| Origin | USA |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported Instrument |
| Model | Nicomp 380 |
| Pricing | Available Upon Request |
Overview
The PSS Nicomp 380 is a high-precision, research-grade dynamic light scattering (DLS) particle size analyzer engineered for accurate hydrodynamic diameter measurement of colloidal dispersions, nanoparticles, proteins, liposomes, and polymeric micelles. Operating on the fundamental principles of Brownian motion analysis via intensity autocorrelation of scattered laser light, the instrument employs a stabilized 5 mW He–Ne laser (632.8 nm) to deliver exceptional signal-to-noise ratio and long-term optical stability. Unlike conventional DLS systems requiring empirical calibration with reference standards, the Nicomp 380 performs absolute size determination traceable to first-order physical theory—eliminating calibration drift and inter-laboratory variability. Its design adheres to ISO 22412:2017 (DLS methodology) and supports compliance with ICH Q5A(R2), USP , and FDA guidance for subvisible particle characterization in biopharmaceutical development.
Key Features
- True DLS-based sizing across a broad dynamic range: 2 nm to 5 µm in hydrodynamic diameter, enabling seamless analysis from small biomolecules to coarse emulsions.
- Proprietary Nicomp multimodal deconvolution algorithm—patented non-negative least-squares (NNLS) fitting combined with Gaussian distribution modeling—provides superior resolution for polydisperse and multimodal samples without user-defined constraints.
- Integrated temperature control (10–60 °C, ±0.1 °C) with Peltier-based cuvette holder ensures thermal stability critical for aggregation kinetics and conformational studies.
- Optimized optical path with low-angle detection geometry minimizes multiple scattering artifacts in concentrated or high-refractive-index samples.
- Modular architecture supporting field-upgradable configurations including Zeta potential measurement (via electrophoretic light scattering), multi-angle detection (15°/90°/173°), and high-power laser diode (660 nm) option for enhanced sensitivity in UV-absorbing media.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Nicomp 380 accommodates standard 12 mm round glass or quartz cuvettes (1.5 mL volume), microcuvettes (50 µL), and flow cells for continuous monitoring. It is validated for use with aqueous buffers, organic solvents (e.g., THF, chloroform), and viscous media up to 100 cP when paired with optional low-volume accessories. Regulatory documentation includes FDA 510(k) clearance (K122929) and CE marking per EU Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC) and 2014/35/EU (LVD). System validation packages support IQ/OQ/PQ execution under GMP/GLP environments, and software complies with 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records and signatures—including full audit trail, user role management, and secure data export.
Software & Data Management
Control and analysis are performed using Nicomp Software v4.x—a Windows 10/11-compatible application built on .NET Framework with intuitive workflow navigation. The software provides real-time correlation function display, batch processing of sequential runs, and automated report generation (PDF/CSV/XLSX) compliant with laboratory information management system (LIMS) integration protocols. Raw intensity autocorrelation data is stored in vendor-neutral binary format (.ncc), preserving full fidelity for retrospective reanalysis. Advanced features include time-resolved mode for stability assessment, batch comparison tools with statistical overlay, and customizable pass/fail criteria aligned with internal SOPs or pharmacopeial thresholds.
Applications
- Biopharmaceutical characterization: monoclonal antibody aggregates, virus-like particles (VLPs), mRNA-LNPs, and PEGylated therapeutics.
- Quality control of nanomaterials: metal oxides (TiO₂, SiO₂), quantum dots, carbon nanotubes, and dendrimers.
- Formulation development: emulsion droplet sizing in topical creams, nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), and self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS).
- Academic research: protein folding/unfolding kinetics, polymerization monitoring, and colloidal stability prediction via zeta potential coupling.
- Regulatory submissions: particle size distribution data generated meets ICH Q5A(R2) requirements for biological products and USP for injectables.
FAQ
Does the Nicomp 380 require calibration standards for routine operation?
No. The instrument performs absolute size measurement based on Einstein–Stokes equation derivation; no polystyrene latex (PSL) or other reference standards are needed for daily use.
Can it measure both size and zeta potential on the same sample without hardware modification?
Yes—the 380/ZLS configuration integrates electrophoretic light scattering (ELS) capability within the same optical bench, enabling sequential or simultaneous acquisition of hydrodynamic diameter and surface charge.
Is the software compatible with networked lab environments and LIMS integration?
Yes. Nicomp Software supports ODBC-compliant database logging, HL7/SFTP export, and configurable metadata tagging for seamless interoperability with enterprise laboratory systems.
What sample volume is required for standard DLS measurements?
Minimum volume is 450 µL in a standard 12-mm cuvette; microcuvette options reduce this to 50 µL while maintaining signal integrity.
How does the Nicomp multimodal analysis differ from cumulant or CONTIN methods used in other DLS instruments?
Nicomp uses a constrained NNLS algorithm that preserves physical plausibility of distribution shapes—avoiding artificial oscillations common in unconstrained inversion—and incorporates Bayesian regularization to suppress noise-induced artifacts in low-SNR data.
