Zetasizer Nano Strikes Gold

Malvern Instruments' new Zetasizer Nano ZS particle characterization system has won Instrument Business Outlook's (IBO) 2003 Gold Award for excellence.

Malvern Instruments' new Zetasizer Nano ZS particle characterization system has won Instrument Business Outlook's (IBO) 2003 Gold Award for excellence in analytical and life science instrument industrial design.

Launched earlier this year, the Zetasizer Nano ZS measures particle size, zeta potential and molecular weight all within one fully automated and highly versatile unit.

Tanya Samazan, managing editor of IBO said: "The Zetasizer Nano ZS' innovative design clearly distinguishes it from other laboratory instruments and its modern, streamlined appearance conveys ease of use and cutting edge technology." According to Malcolm Connah, product manager at Malvern Instruments, making the system easy to use was the main motivation behind the design: "Laboratory staff are rarely dedicated to the operation of one system nowadays, so a product that is easy to use gives the operator confidence in the results, as there is less chance for error." To facilitate ease of use, the Zetasizer Nano ZS features the first ever entirely disposable cell for zeta potential measurement.

Although reusable, the cell is a low enough cost to be replaced regularly, removing the risk of cross-contamination and eliminating cell cleaning.

The use of standard operating procedures (SOPs) to control the measurement process also ensures optimum performance and excellent repeatability between operators.

"The biggest challenge initially was the conversion of the idea of a number of complex curves into a computer design that could actually be manufactured," said Malcolm Connah.

"This was an iterative process, with the overriding view that functionality in terms of the instrument's performance should not be compromised." The Zetasizer Nano ZS was developed in-house at Malvern.

"Using internal resources meant that the time from the initial concepts through to final design was shorter than if we had used an external design team," said Malcolm Connah.

"The whole team at Malvern Instruments is thrilled about receiving this award.".

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