Biological Information
Serum

Characterisation solutions for Serum

Cell analysis of serum using cell size analysers and zeta potential analysers provides detailed information on cell population distribution and surface charge. This technology aids in understanding cell interactions, stability, and behaviour in serum, crucial for applications in diagnostics, therapeutics, and research in immunology and cellular biology.

Dynamic Light Scattering

Dynamic light scattering (DLS) technology analyses cell size by measuring the scattering of laser light caused by particle movement, providing precise data on cell size distribution and aggregation.

Zeta Potential

Zeta potential analysis of serum uses electrophoretic light scattering to measure the electrical charge on cell surfaces, providing insights into cell stability, interactions, and aggregation tendencies in biological samples.

Analysing Serum in Research

Analysing serum for research involves measuring biomarkers to uncover insights into physiological processes, disease mechanisms, and potential therapeutic targets. By examining various components, such as proteins, hormones, and metabolites, researchers can identify correlations, track changes over time, and validate hypotheses. This detailed analysis enhances understanding of health and disease, contributing to the development of new treatments and advancing scientific knowledge in biomedical research.

Case study

A research laboratory based in the UK aimed to investigate the thermal-sensitive rheological behaviour of bovine serum albumin (BSA) solutions. Understanding the viscoelastic properties of BSA at various temperatures is crucial for applications in biotechnology and pharmaceutical formulations. The laboratory employed Dynamic Light Scattering Microrheology (DLS Microrheology) using the BeNano 180 Zeta to achieve this goal.

The UK research laboratory successfully utilised Dynamic Light Scattering Microrheology with the BeNano 180 Zeta to measure the thermal-sensitive rheological behavior of BSA solutions. Highlighting the instrument’s capability to provide detailed and precise measurements, significantly advancing the understanding of BSA’s viscoelastic properties under varying temperatures. The insights gained are invaluable for optimising applications in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.

Instruments to support the analysis of serum

Applications to support the analysis of serum

Biological Information
Virology

Why cell characterisation is important in virology

Cell characterization in virology involves analyzing cell morphology, growth, viability, and susceptibility to viral infections. Techniques like nanoparticle tracking, interferometry, and zeta potential provide critical insights into host-virus interactions, aiding in the development of antiviral drugs, vaccines, and understanding viral pathogenesis and replication mechanisms.

Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA)

Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA) accurately sizes and counts viruses in solution by tracking their Brownian motion, providing crucial data for virology research, vaccine development, and understanding viral behaviour in biological fluids.

Nanoparticle Size and Concentration Analysis

Nanoparticle size and concentration analysis of viruses assesses their dimensions and quantity in solutions, essential for virology, vaccine development, and studying viral dynamics in biological environments.

Case study

A British-owned R&D laboratory aimed to optimise the production process of lentiviral vectors, critical for gene therapy and vaccine development. They integrated the Myriade Videodrop, a microfluidic-based platform for nanoparticle analysis, to enhance efficiency and quality control.The platform utilises microfluidic technology to measure size and concentration based on light scattering.

“Integration of our Videodrop streamlined the production process, reducing time and labor-intensive steps.”

The lab achieved significant success using the Myriade Videodrop for optimising lentiviral vector production. They proved the platform’s capability to enhance efficiency, ensuring quality, and accelerate advancements in gene therapy and vaccine development.

The integration of advanced nanoparticle analysis technologies like Videodrop is pivotal for driving breakthroughs in biopharmaceutical research and therapeutic applications.

Instruments to support analysis of viruses

Applications to support the analysis of viruses

Biological Information
Gene and Cell Therapy

Why Particle Characterisation Is Important in Gene and Cell Therapy

Gene and cell therapy offers exciting opportunities to treat complex diseases by modifying genetic material or using living cells to repair, replace or restore biological functions. However, developing effective treatments requires a thorough understanding of the cells, particles and biomolecules involved.

Accurate particle characterisation helps researchers assess product quality, monitor critical properties and improve consistency throughout development. Reliable measurements also support quality control and help researchers generate the evidence needed to assess safety and therapeutic performance.

Cell Size and Health

Cell size can provide valuable information about cell health, growth and response to treatment. Changes in size may indicate cellular stress, activation or other biological responses that could influence therapeutic performance.

Measuring cell size helps researchers monitor cell populations and identify variations that may affect product quality. Consistent measurements also support process development, helping scientists understand how changes in culture conditions or treatment protocols influence cellular characteristics.

Cell Counting and Concentration

Accurate cell counting is essential when preparing treatments that rely on delivering a specific number of viable cells. Inconsistent cell concentrations can affect dosing, experimental reproducibility and the interpretation of results.

Reliable counting methods help researchers quantify cell populations, monitor changes during production and maintain consistency between batches. Particle concentration measurements can also support the assessment of extracellular vesicles, which are increasingly investigated for their potential role in therapeutic delivery and cellular communication.

Understanding Biomolecular Interactions

Understanding how biological molecules interact is another important part of therapeutic development. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) enables researchers to investigate molecular binding in real time, providing information about binding affinity, association and dissociation rates.

These insights help scientists evaluate interactions between therapeutic molecules and their targets, supporting the development and optimisation of potential treatments.

Supporting Better Therapeutic Development

From measuring cell size and concentration to investigating molecular interactions, particle characterisation provides valuable data throughout research and development. By selecting appropriate analytical techniques, researchers can better understand their samples, improve reproducibility and make more informed decisions when developing the next generation of advanced therapies.

Case Study: Distinguishing Fluorescently Labelled Extracellular Vesicles with the ViewSizer 3000

The Challenge

A researcher investigating extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes, needed a reliable way to measure particle size and concentration while distinguishing labelled vesicles from other particles in the sample. This distinction is crucial when studying EVs for diagnostic applications, cell-to-cell communication and potential therapeutic delivery.

By combining multi-laser NTA with fluorescence measurements, the HORIBA ViewSizer 3000 could characterise the overall particle population and identify the fluorescently labelled vesicles separately. This provided a more detailed understanding of particle concentration and labelling efficiency.

The ViewSizer 3000 provided reliable, complementary measurements of particle size, concentration and fluorescent labelling, helping researchers better understand EV populations and assess labelling efficiency.

Instruments to support Gene & Cell Therapy

Applications to support Gene & Cell Therapy

Biological Applications
Plants

Solutions for analysing plant cells

Cell analysis using cell counting and dynamic image analysis involves quantifying and monitoring cells in real time. This method evaluates cell size, morphology, and viability, aiding in understanding plant growth and health. Advanced imaging techniques provide detailed insights, facilitating research in plant physiology, genetics, and disease resistance.

Cell Counting

The Beckman Coulter Multisizer 4e uses electrical impedance to count and size cells, providing high-resolution data on cell volume and concentration, essential for precise analysis of cell cultures.

Dynamic Image Analysis

Dynamic image analysis of plant cells employs high-resolution imaging and software to monitor live cells, providing detailed insights into cell morphology, growth dynamics, and physiological responses in real time.

Analysis of Pollen

Analysing pollen involves examining its size, shape, and surface texture to identify species and track environmental changes. This process uses microscopy and various imaging techniques to capture detailed features, which helps in understanding pollen distribution, allergenicity, and ecological impacts. Accurate pollen analysis is essential for applications in agriculture, climate research, and allergy studies, offering insights into plant biodiversity and seasonal patterns. Advanced tools and methods enhance precision, aiding researchers and professionals in environmental and health-related fields.

Case study

A leading pharmaceutical company aimed to enhance the mass production of a high-value plant-derived metabolite used in several of its therapeutic products. Traditional methods faced challenges in scalability, consistency, and yield. The company integrated the Beckman Coulter BioLector XT Microbioreactor and Multisizer 4e to optimise and scale up production.

The pharmaceutical company successfully enhanced the mass production of a key plant-derived metabolite. They demonstrated significant yield improvements, better consistency, and scalability, highlighting the potential of these technologies to revolutionise plant cell culture-based production in the pharmaceutical industry.

Instruments to support the analysis of plants

Applications to support the analysis of plants

Biological Applications
Bacteria

Solutions for characterising bacteria

Characterising bacteria is essential for understanding their roles in ecosystems, diagnosing infections, and developing treatments. It helps identify beneficial strains for probiotics and industrial applications, and informs antibiotic resistance strategies. Accurate bacterial characterisation also aids in tracking disease outbreaks and ensures food and water safety.

Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS)

Dynamic Light Scattering characterises bacteria by measuring their size distribution and aggregation. It’s a non-invasive, rapid method, crucial for understanding bacterial behavior in various environments and applications.

Coulter Principle

The Coulter principle characterises bacteria by measuring changes in electrical resistance as they pass through a small aperture. This method accurately determines bacterial size and concentration in a sample.

Case study

In the biotechnology industry, Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a widely used bacterial strain for the production of recombinant proteins, plasmid DNA, and other bioproducts. Ensuring optimal growth and maintaining the quality of E. coli cultures is crucial for production efficiency.

The Beckman Coulter Multisizer 4e proved to be an essential tool for analyzing E. coli cultures in a biotechnology company. Its capability to provide precise and detailed measurements of cell size distribution and concentration ensured optimal fermentation conditions, leading to high-quality production of recombinant proteins and other bioproducts. The use of the Multisizer 4e improved process control, enhanced product consistency, and supported regulatory compliance, thereby contributing significantly to the efficiency and success of biotechnological manufacturing operations.

Instruments to support characterisation of bacteria

Applications to support characterisation of bacteria

Biological Applications
Tissue Culture

Why Tissue Culture analysis is important

Characterising tissue culture is crucial for ensuring the reproducibility and quality of biological research. It involves assessing cell morphology, growth rates, genetic stability, and contamination levels. Accurate characterisation ensures that cultured tissues maintain their intended properties, enabling reliable experimental outcomes and facilitating advancements in drug development, regenerative medicine, and biotechnology.

Coulter Counter method

The Coulter Counter method is a widely used technique for analysing tissue culture, providing precise and automated cell counting. It operates on the principle of electrical impedance, where cells suspended in an electrolyte pass through a small aperture, causing measurable changes in electrical resistance. This method allows for accurate determination of cell concentration, size distribution, and viability. It is particularly beneficial for monitoring cell growth and assessing culture health over time. The Coulter Counter method is efficient, reducing manual errors and increasing throughput, making it indispensable for large-scale tissue culture experiments and quality control in biomedical research and industrial applications.

Case study

A research laboratory based in the UK sought to optimise the culture conditions for yeast cells (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) to enhance growth rates and maximise yield for applications in biotechnology and fermentation processes. Precise characterisation of cell growth was crucial for achieving reproducible and high-quality results.

The UK-based research laboratory successfully utilised the Beckman Coulter Multisizer 4e to optimise yeast cell culture conditions and accurately characterise cell growth. This demonstrated significant improvements in biomass yield and culture reproducibility, highlighting the importance of precise cell analysis in biotechnological research and industrial applications. The insights gained from this study pave the way for more efficient and scalable yeast fermentation processes.

Instruments to analyse tissue culture

Applications for analysing tissue culture

Biological Information
Aggregates

Characterising Biological Aggregates

Characterisation of protein aggregates involves analysing size, morphology, and distribution using techniques like dynamic light scattering (DLS), Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) and Flow Imaging Microscopy (FIM). This helps understand aggregation mechanisms, assess stability, and ensure safety and efficacy in pharmaceuticals, reducing immunogenicity risks and optimising formulation and storage conditions.

Dynamic light scattering (DLS)

Dynamic light scattering (DLS) characterises protein aggregates by measuring their size distribution in solution, providing insights into aggregation state, stability, and polydispersity, crucial for pharmaceutical formulation and quality control.

Flow Imaging Microscopy (FIM)

Flow Imaging Microscopy (FIM) characterises protein aggregates by capturing high-resolution images in a flowing sample, allowing precise analysis of size, shape, and concentration, essential for assessing protein formulation stability and quality.

Case study

A biotech firm faced challenges with protein aggregation affecting drug stability. Utilising ViewSizer 3000, they analysed aggregates across a wide size range, obtaining precise size distribution and concentration data. Results guided formulation adjustments, enhancing drug stability and efficacy.

The instrument’s multi-wavelength light scattering accurately detected and sized particles, providing real-time visualization. This enabled informed decisions on storage conditions and formulation optimization. Ultimately, the ViewSizer 3000 facilitated robust quality control measures, ensuring the therapeutic integrity of the biopharmaceutical product.

Instruments to support charcterisation of Aggregates

Applications to support characteristion of Aggregates