Particle Characterisation System Helps UMIST

In a collaborative project researchers are using a particle characterisation system from the new Malvern Instruments Zetasizer Nano series to help understand the mechanics of DNA transfection.

In a collaborative project with Professor Steve Armes at Sussex University and Dr Andy Lewis at Biocompatibles UK, researchers in the Biological Physics Group at the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) in the UK are using a particle characterisation system from the new Malvern Instruments Zetasizer Nano series to help understand the mechanics of DNA transfection.

This work has direct applications in understanding and improving gene delivery for therapeutic and other clinical applications, including the development of novel coatings for surgical implants intended to overcome issues of biocompatibility.

Large, negatively charged DNA molecules can be difficult to transfer across cell membranes.

However, DNA can be condensed by the application of charged water soluble polymers.

The research group aims to understand the molecular processes needed to reduce the size and charge of the DNA while retaining its functionality.

The Zetasizer Nano S is being used to measure the size of DNA molecules before and after treatment.

"We chose the Zetasizer Nano S because, unlike other systems that we have looked at, it is able to measure easily particle sizes between 10 -15 nm and has the sensitivity to detect these nanoparticles at low concentrations in solution," said Professor Jian Lu of Umist's Biological Physics Group and the project's lead investigator.

"The Zetasizer Nano S allows us to quickly and accurately determine how the DNA has changed before and after complexing with the polymer molecules." The Umist system is the first Zetasizer Nano to be installed in the UK.

Launched this year, the Zetasizer Nano series includes systems that combine the most advanced technologies for particle size and molecular weight measurement of molecules and nano-sized particles.

While the Zetasizer Nano S can measure both particle size and molecular weight, the Zetasizer Nano ZS offers particle size, zeta potential and molecular weight measurement in a single instrument, and the Zetasizer Nano Z provides dedicated zeta potential measurement The research work at UMIST is being funded by the UK's Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and represents an active collaboration between Biocompatibles UK Ltd and the two UK universities.

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