Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS)
Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) is a highly sensitive analytical technique used to measure the hydrodynamic diameter, size distribution, and dispersion stability of nanoparticles, colloids, and macromolecules in liquid suspension. The method analyzes fluctuations in scattered light arising from Brownian motion and applies autocorrelation algorithms to calculate particle size with high precision.
At Materials Metric, DLS is routinely applied to characterize materials ranging from approximately 1 nm to several micrometers, including nanoparticle formulations, protein solutions, emulsions, polymer dispersions, and advanced biomaterials. DLS is particularly valuable for formulation development, aggregation detection, stability assessment, and quality control, providing rapid, reproducible insights critical for research, scale-up, and regulatory evaluation.
Use of DLS
DLS is used to:
• Measure hydrodynamic particle size in liquid suspensions
• Detect aggregation, agglomeration, or instability
• Evaluate formulation stability over time or under stress
• Characterize liposomes, micelles, emulsions, nanoparticles, and polymers
• Assess the impact of pH, temperature, or ionic strength on colloidal behavior
• Determine polydispersity and uniformity
Applications
- Nanoparticles &Nanoformulations: drug carriers, polymeric nanoparticles, metal oxides
- Biological Systems: proteins, extracellular vesicles, enzymes, peptides
- Polymers: micelles, self-assembled structures, polymer coils
- Cosmetics & Personal Care: emulsions, creams, lotions
- Food & Agriculture: emulsions, suspensions, dispersions
- Medical Devices & Biomaterials: hydrogel precursors, injectable formulations
- Environmental Monitoring: colloidal contaminants and nano-pollutants
Sample Analysis Process
1. Submission & Objective Review
- Identify expected size range or formulation properties
- Confirm whether zeta potential or stability studies are required
- Provide details on dispersion medium (buffer, solvent, water, surfactant, etc.)
2. Sample Preparation
- Samples dispersed in liquid media appropriate for the material
- Light filtration or gentle centrifugation used to remove dust or large contaminants
- Dilution adjusted to achieve optimal scattering intensity
- Minimal sonication applied only when necessary to disperse aggregates
- Conditions maintained to protect sensitive biological samples
3. DLS Measurement
- Laser illuminates the suspended particles
- Detectors capture intensity fluctuations
- Autocorrelation function generated to determine particle motion
- Hydrodynamic size and polydispersity calculated
- Optional temperature ramps or repeated measurements for stability profiling
4. Data Processing & Reporting
- Z-average hydrodynamic diameter
- Polydispersity Index (PDI)
- Number, volume, and intensity distributions
- Stability trend analysis (if requested)
- Annotated graphs and expert interpretation tied to formulation or performance goals
Why Choose Materials Metric for DLS Analysis
Materials Metric provides high-precision, reproducible DLS measurements supported by deep expertise in nanoformulations, biological systems, polymer science, and colloidal stability.
Our DLS capabilities include:
- High-resolution size analysis for particles from 1 nm to several microns
- Sensitive detection of aggregation and formulation instability
- Expertise in proteins, biomaterials, emulsions, and polymeric dispersions
- Temperature-controlled DLS for stability and stress testing
- Integration with NTA, laser diffraction, and BET analysis for comprehensive nanoparticle characterization
- Detailed, publication-ready reports with size metrics, PDI interpretation, and stability insights
We help you evaluate nanoparticle behavior, formulation quality, and colloidal stability with confidence.