Nano Flow Cytometry Liposome Analysis

Nano-Flow Cytometry (NanoFCM) has revolutionized the way we study and analyze nanoparticles, offering a cutting-edge solution for characterizing liposomes and other nanoscale particles. At Creative Biostructure, we harness the power of NanoFCM to deliver comprehensive liposome analysis services that help researchers delve into the fundamental properties of liposomes.

What is Nano-Flow Cytometry?

NanoFCM is an advanced analytical technique that combines the high-throughput nature of traditional flow cytometry with high-resolution detection of nanoparticles ranging from 7 to 500 nm in diameter. By leveraging both light scattering and fluorescence detection, NanoFCM allows researchers to perform real-time analysis of particle size, concentration, biochemical properties, and surface markers at the single-particle level. Unlike conventional methods, which often require large amounts of sample material and longer processing times, NanoFCM offers rapid, precise results with minimal sample volumes.

Liposomes, which are small, spherical vesicles with lipid bilayers, play a crucial role in drug delivery and other biomedical applications. Their size, surface properties, and encapsulation efficiency directly affect their performance. Therefore, understanding these properties is critical for optimizing liposome formulations. This is where NanoFCM excels, enabling the detailed characterization of individual liposomes to assess their stability, drug loading capacity, and surface marker distribution.

Figure 1. The application of NanoFCM on liposome and LNP analysis. (Chen C, et al., 2023).

Why Use Nano-Flow Cytometry for Liposome Analysis?

• Precise Size Distribution Analysis: NanoFCM accurately measures liposome size distribution, crucial for understanding stability, aggregation, and drug encapsulation efficiency.
• Fluorescence Intensity Analysis: It quantifies fluorescent signals from liposomes, aiding in the evaluation of labeling efficiency, drug loading, and release kinetics, essential for optimizing drug delivery systems.
• Surface Marker Profiling: NanoFCM allows detailed analysis of liposome surface properties, targeting ligand density, and receptor-ligand interactions, which is vital for developing targeted therapies.
• Single-Particle Resolution: The technology detects and characterizes individual liposomes, identifying rare subpopulations and monitoring behavior under various conditions, ensuring stability during storage or formulation.
• High Throughput: Enables rapid screening and characterization of large numbers of liposomes, saving time and resources, and accelerating research progress.
• Additional Advantages:
  • High detection sensitivity for low refractive index nanoparticles.
  • Multi-parameter analysis using multi-color fluorescence.
  • Suitable for small sample sizes.
  • Comparable speed to Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and other technologies.

Our Workflow for Liposome Analysis Using NanoFCM

We follow a meticulously optimized workflow, ensuring high-quality data that supports your research needs. Our process is designed to deliver reliable results while minimizing sample consumption.

1. Sample Preparation

The first step involves careful sample preparation. Liposomes or other nanoparticles are suspended in a suitable buffer to maintain their native state. Depending on the research goals, additional steps such as fluorescent labeling or ligand conjugation may be required to highlight specific biochemical properties. Our experts work closely with you to ensure the sample preparation method is tailored to your experiment.

2. Data Collection and Analysis

Once the sample is prepared, it is introduced into the NanoFCM system. Utilizing highly sensitive detectors, the system collects light scattering and fluorescence signals from individual nanoparticles. This allows us to determine:

• Size distribution: Detailed measurements of liposome diameter and population heterogeneity.
• Fluorescence intensity: Analysis of fluorescent signals to evaluate drug encapsulation, labeling efficiency, and molecular interactions.
• Surface markers: Identification of targeting ligands or other surface modifications critical for targeted drug delivery.

3. Reporting and Interpretation

After data collection, our team of experienced scientists processes the information and provides a comprehensive report. This includes graphical representations of size distribution, fluorescence intensity histograms, and surface marker profiles, along with expert interpretations to help guide your next research steps.

Why Choose Creative Biostructure?

• Comprehensive Expertise: Our team of seasoned scientists offers extensive experience in nanoparticle and liposome analysis, ensuring precise and reliable results for your projects.
• Cutting-Edge NanoFCM Technology: We utilize advanced NanoFCM to deliver high-resolution, single-particle analysis, providing in-depth data on size, concentration, and surface properties.
• Customized Solutions: Tailored experimental protocols designed to meet your specific research needs, from drug delivery optimization to personalized therapeutic development.
• High Throughput and Efficiency: Our high-throughput platform accelerates liposome screening and characterization, saving both time and resources, and allowing for faster project completion.
• Client-Centered Approach: We collaborate closely with clients, offering expert consultation, data analysis, and interpretation to ensure successful outcomes for every study.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What sample volume is required for NanoFCM analysis?

  Our NanoFCM platform requires minimal sample volumes, typically ranging from 10 to 100 µL, depending on the concentration of liposomes or nanoparticles.

• Can NanoFCM be used to analyze fluorescently labeled liposomes?

  Yes, it can simultaneously detect fluorescence and light scattering, allowing us to assess labeling efficiency, drug encapsulation, and release kinetics.

• How does NanoFCM compare to other techniques like Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) or Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)?

  While DLS and TEM provide valuable information, NanoFCM offers higher throughput, single-particle resolution, and the ability to measure multiple parameters at once. It's particularly useful for analyzing heterogeneity within liposome populations, which is difficult to capture using bulk analysis techniques like DLS or static imaging methods like TEM.

At Creative Biostructure, our team of experienced scientists provides expert support and customized solutions to meet your specific research needs. We collaborate closely with our clients to design tailored experimental protocols, analyze data, and interpret results, ensuring that the liposome assay is optimized for your research objectives. If you are interested in our services, please contact us for a detailed quote.

Ordering Process

Reference

1. Chen C, Chen C, Li Y, et al. Characterization of lipid-based nanomedicines at the single-particle level. Fundamental Research. 2023. 3(4): 488-504.