NanoSight, world-leading manufacturers of unique nanoparticle characterization technology, together with distributor partners Schaefer Technologie, have recently held a meeting of users of their successful range of nanoparticle tracking analysis instruments in Langen, Germany.

More than thirty NanoSight users came to a sunny Langen near Frankfurt to share their experiences in developing test methods for nanoparticle measurement and characterization. The meeting provided an excellent opportunity to present new data using nanoparticle tracking analysis, NTA.

Invited speakers from leading national research laboratories and universities gave papers on a broad range of topics. These ranged from the study of the electrophoretic mobility of nanoparticles generated by laser ablation in liquids from the Laser Zentrum in Hannover to qualitative and quantitative analysis of nanomaterials in environmental samples form the University of Koblenz-Landau. Nanotoxicology was discussed in a talk on starch-coated magnetic nanoparticles with pendant chelating agents given by Holger Stephan of the Forschungszentrum Dresden-Rossendorf. The ground-breaking work of Wim Jiskoot's research group from Leiden University, the Netherlands on using NTA for the measurement of nanoparticle and protein aggregates was also reported.

The meeting enabled users to bring their instruments with them for service and software upgrades carried out by NanoSight support staff from the UK. Led by founder and CTO, Bob Carr, users further learned about the use of fluorescence detection to study nanoparticles and concentration determination methods in vaccine applications.

To build on this success NanoSight will be holding more users' meetings worldwide. The next is scheduled in the USA in Washington DC. More information about nanoparticle characterization using nanoparticle tracking analysis is available by visiting the company's website (www.nanosight.com) where visitors may also register for the latest issue of NanoTrail, the company's electronic newsletter.