This assay protocol outlines procedures for sample preparation and the determination of mean nanoparticle size (hydrodynamic diameter) using batch-mode dynamic light scattering (DLS - synonyms include photon correlation spectroscopy, PCS, and quasi-elastic light scattering, QELS) in dilute aqueous suspensions. The hydrodynamic diameter is the diameter of an equivalent hard sphere that diffuses at the same rate as the analyte. Although particle size is the primary determinant of the measured diffusion coefficient, other parameters can impact these measurements and influence the measured size. Therefore, guidelines for making successful size measurements in the nanosize range are provided, as well as a discussion of relevant standards and data analysis. This protocol can be applied to any suitable DLS instrument with batch measurement capability. This is intended to be an evolving document; addenda that address material-class-specific sample preparation and analysis issues will be appended in the future.

• NCL_Method_PCC-1.pdf(PDF | 429 KB)

Researchers should cite this work as follows:

• Hackley, V., Jeffrey Clogston (2020). NIST - NCL Joint Assay Protocol, PCC-1. NCI Hub. doi:10.17917/3F5S-6728

  BibTex | EndNote

1. dynamic light scattering