Development of multidimensional analysis of particulate systems using analytical centrifugation

The synthesis and application of complex particle systems, whose properties depend on their size, shape and composition, is getting more and more in the focus of science and technology. Therefore, particle characterization plays a central role, whereas established methods like dynamic light scattering (DLS) and electron microscopy either have a lack in resolution as well as accuracy or are laborious and time-consuming. Accordingly, the aim of the present project is the establishment of analytical centrifugation (AC) as a standard measurement routine with high accuracy and unrivaled resolution in the field of particle technology. AC has some clear advantages over the aforementioned established characterization methods, for instance the absolute measurement principle and the possibility for the simultaneous characterization of up to twelve samples. The focus of this project in collaboration with LUM GmbH (Berlin) is the multidimensional characterization of particle properties, e.g. size and shape or size and density, for particle sizes from 10 nm up to 100 µm. In addition, measurement techniques and evaluation protocols for the two-dimensional particle analysis which are already known in the field of analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC) will be transferred to AC and carefully established. Thus, by means of this project the complete capability of AUC for multidimensional particle analysis gets accessible for AC. By implementing all developed methods into the existing software of LUM GmbH, comprehensive methods of sedimentation analysis with high resolution will be available for a wide range of users from science and technology.