Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA) Technology

Nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), a technique for characterizing nanoparticles with a size range of 10 – 2000 nm in liquids, has been widely used for aggregate characterization in protein/peptide formulations. As an expert in protein/peptide biopharmaceutical characterization, CD Formulation uses advanced NTA technology to help global customers gain a deep understanding of the stability and aggregate formation of protein formulations to support their formulation development and production process optimization.

What is Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA)?

NTA, also known as particle tracking analysis (PTA), is a technique used to measure the size distribution and concentration of nanoparticles. The technique uses the same theory as dynamic light scattering (DLS), combining the properties of laser light scattering microscopy and Brownian motion, allowing the measurement of protein particles ranging in size from about 50-100 nm to about 600-1,000 nm (depending on the light scattering intensity of the particles analyzed). The optimal particle concentration is typically between 10^6 and 10^10 particles/mL.

NTA has been recognized by numerous standards and guidance bodies, including ISO, ASTM, and EFSA, and focuses on submicron particle characterization.

It provides better size resolution for polydisperse samples than DLS. However, protein monomers are often too small to detect. For monodisperse samples, NTA is simple and fast to perform.

Fig. 1 Schematic setup of the nanoparticle tracking analysis.(Weber A, et al., 2019)

Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA) Principle

Like DLS, NTA analysis uses light scattering and Brownian motion models to determine particle size and particle size distribution.

In NTA analysis, the protein/peptide sample is illuminated by a laser beam, and the particle motion is tracked by scattering to evaluate the mean square displacement of the moving particles under Brownian motion in the sample chamber. Here, Brownian motion describes the random motion of nanoparticles in suspension. These motions are also called diffusion and are represented by the diffusion coefficient (D). By using the Stokes-Einstein equation, the particle diameter can be calculated and their hydrodynamic size can be obtained or the particle concentration can be calculated.

Our Services Related to Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA)

With decades of experience in supporting protein/peptide biopharmaceutical development and manufacturing using NAT technology, our team of highly qualified experts can provide a range of NAT-related services to accelerate the implementation and success of your project.

Our NAT technology supports all stages of your protein/peptide drug development and manufacturing - from early research to late-release testing under GMP.

Protein Aggregation Characterization Using NTA Technology

Protein/peptide therapeutic formulations are very complex and protein aggregation or poor stability may occur during the following biomanufacturing processes.

• Cell culture.
• Purification.
• Formulation.
• Packaging and storage.

Using NAT technology, our scientists are able to visualize and quantify in real time the protein aggregation dynamics of biotherapeutics under various stress conditions, including agitation, temperature, and added contaminants, to support the development and optimization of protein/peptide formulations.

Nanodelivery Carrier Screening and Delivery System Development Using NAT

Nanoparticle size distribution is key to the design and manufacture of targeted drug delivery. With NTA technology, our scientists are helping you develop and characterize a variety of innovative delivery systems, such as polymer nanoparticles, liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, etc.

Procedure of Our Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA)

• A protein/peptide sample suspension is loaded into the sample chamber, which is illuminated by a specially shaped laser beam. Particles in the beam path scatter the laser light, which is easily collected by the microscope objective and viewed with a digital camera. The camera then captures a video of the particles moving in Brownian motion.
• NTA provides high-resolution counting-based measurements of protein particle size, concentration, and aggregation. Real-time monitoring provides subtle changes in the characteristics of a particle population.
• NTA software analyzes multiple particles individually or simultaneously and calculates their hydrodynamic diameters using the Stokes-Einstein equation.

Advantages of Our Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA)

• Higher resolution than dynamic light scattering.
• Real-time dynamic nanoparticle visualization.
• Fast and accurate sampling process.
• Provides real-time particle scattering suspension view.
• Provides particle counting and particle size determination results.
• Provides protein aggregate concentration results.
• Particle-by-particle analysis.
• Detection range: 30 nm-1 μm.

Note*: NTA only analyzes protein/peptide samples prepared in aqueous suspension.

Custom Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA) Services

Why Choose Our Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA) Technology?

• Our NTA technology allows for the detection and analysis of individual nanoparticles, providing a high level of sensitivity for protein/peptide characterization.
• Our NTA technology is versatile and can be used to characterize a wide range of proteins and peptides, including monoclonal antibodies, enzymes, and vaccine antigens.
• We have a team of experts with rich experience in NTA analytical method development and validation.
• We have accumulated decades of expertise and successful project experience using NTA technology to support protein/peptide biopharmaceutical development.
• Our laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and technologies to support any type of protein characterization.
• We provide flexible experimental design and customized solutions.
• Fast turnaround time: detailed technical reports are provided within 5-7 days.

Publication

CD Formulation aims to provide a powerful analytical tool for aggregate characterization in protein/peptide formulations. Please feel free to contact us if you are interested in our services. Learn how our NTA technology can support the smooth implementation of your protein/peptide biopharmaceutical program.

How It Works

STEP 1

Submit a service request describing your specific research or development need.

STEP 2

We'll email you to provide your quote and confirm order details if applicable.

STEP 3

Execute the project with real-time communication, and deliver the final report promptly.