Nano Flow Cytometer for Single-Particle Analysis

What is the Nano Flow Cytometer for Single-Particle Analysis?

A flow cytometer built for nanoparticle detection with hydrodynamic focusing, high-sensitivity side-scatter and multi-channel fluorescence. It measures size, concentration and marker expression of individual particles from roughly 40 nm, making it suited to extracellular vesicles, viruses and lipid nanoparticles.

Overview

A nano flow cytometer pumps a sheath-focused sample stream at low velocity through a flow cell, where one or two lasers excite each particle for a few microseconds. Sensitive avalanche photodiodes or photomultiplier tubes record side scatter and fluorescence in two to four channels. Sizes are calibrated with silica or polystyrene standards and Mie modelling, and concentrations come from events per unit volume at known flow rate. Multi-parameter data allow phenotyping, such as CD9, CD63 or CD81 positivity of exosomes, and co-localisation of markers on the same particle. Typical detection thresholds are 40 to 80 nm for scattering and a few tens of fluorophore molecules per particle. Swarm detection, coincidence and background noise must be controlled by dilution and buffer blanks.

How does it work?

Nanoparticle tracking analysis illuminates a dilute suspension with a laser sheet and records the scattered light of individual particles with a camera; software follows each track and derives a diffusion coefficient, converted to hydrodynamic diameter with the Stokes–Einstein equation, and counts particles per millilitre in a known volume. Resistive pulse sensing passes particles through a nanopore in an electrolyte; each particle transiently reduces ionic current in proportion to its volume, giving size and concentration. Field-flow fractionation separates particles in a thin channel by diffusion under a cross-flow before in-line light scattering detectors measure size and molar mass. Nano flow cytometers use hydrodynamic focusing and sensitive side-scatter and fluorescence detection to phenotype single particles. Sample dilution and calibration with reference beads are essential.

What are the key features?

• Hydrodynamic focusing at low flow rate for long transit time
• High-sensitivity side-scatter and multi-channel fluorescence
• Size calibration using silica and polystyrene reference beads
• Multi-parameter phenotyping with marker co-localisation
• Event-rate-based absolute concentration at calibrated flow
• Automated sampling and cleaning cycles for repeatable runs

What are the technical specifications?

A typical nano flow cytometer for single-particle analysis configuration offers detectable size of ≈ 40–1000 nm (scatter), lasers of 488 nm and 561 or 640 nm, fluorescence channels of 2–4, sample flow rate of 0.3–5 µL/min, event rate of ≤ 10,000 events/s and sheath fluid of Filtered PBS, 0.1 µm. Values are indicative of the product class; the exact figures for each configuration are confirmed on the quotation and the calibration documents supplied with the instrument.

Which applications is it used for?

The Nano Flow Cytometer for Single-Particle Analysis is used in exosome and extracellular vesicle phenotyping, virus particle counting and labelling, lipid nanoparticle payload analysis, marker co-expression on single particles and biomarker discovery in plasma. Across the wider Nanoparticle Analyzers class, laboratories also deploy it for liposome and lipid nanoparticle characterisation, extracellular vesicle and exosome research and viral vector and vaccine particle counting.

Which standards and certifications apply?

Relevant standards and methods include ISO 19430, ISO 13322-1, ISO 22412, ISO/TS 21362, ASTM E2834, ISO 21363 and GB/T 19627. Certification candidates for this model are CE and ISO 9001 manufacturing; each is to be confirmed for the specific configuration before shipment, and certificates are supplied only where they have been issued.

Nanoparticle measurements are very sensitive to sample preparation. Use particle-free, filtered diluents and clean glassware, and dilute to the instrument's optimum concentration window. Dust and bubbles produce false counts. Verify size and concentration with certified polystyrene or silica nanosphere standards at start-up and after changes of settings, and report camera level, detection threshold, temperature and number of tracks, because these parameters change results. Keep laser optics, flow cells and nanopores clean and stored as advised. Install in a stable, temperature-controlled room. Regulated work needs IQ/OQ/PQ, locked methods and audit trails.

How do I select the right Nano Flow Cytometer for Single-Particle Analysis?

Select a nano flow cytometer when single-particle marker analysis, multi-parameter phenotyping and co-localisation are required, for example in vesicle research. Specify lasers and channels, detection size threshold, event rate, sample volume and calibration standards. For plain size and concentration without labels, tracking or resistive pulse sensing is simpler.

How does it compare with other Nanoparticle Analyzers variants?

Decide what the measurement must deliver: concentration and size distribution of polydisperse samples, fluorescent subpopulation counts, high-resolution separation of mixtures, or single-particle phenotype. Nanoparticle tracking suits 30 to 1000 nm particles at 10⁷ to 10⁹ particles/mL. Resistive pulse sensing gives high-resolution, refractive-index-independent size for conductive dispersions. Field-flow fractionation coupled to multi-angle light scattering resolves mixtures and aggregates. Nano flow cytometry is preferred when labelling and marker analysis are needed. Check detection limit versus your smallest particle, required dynamic range, sample volume, and optical property dependence. Consider whether applicable guidance such as ISO 19430 and regulatory expectations for liposomes or vaccines apply, and who will operate and maintain the system.