Field-Flow Fractionation
Our Technology
Why Separation Matters
Separation-Based Nanoparticle Characterization
Imessa Research uses field-flow fractionation (FFF) to characterize complex nanoparticle systems.
Many nanoparticle formulations contain heterogeneous particle populations that cannot be resolved using ensemble measurement techniques. Separation-based analysis enables detailed characterization by isolating particle populations prior to measurement. This separation-based approach allows accurate determination of nanoparticle size distributions and detection of aggregates, impurities, and secondary particle populations.
The power of separation-based characterization
Separation-based nanoparticle characterization provides several key analytical capabilities:
• high-resolution nanoparticle size distribution analysis
• detection of aggregates and impurities
• characterization of heterogeneous nanoparticle formulations
• fraction collection for downstream analysis
• improved understanding of nanoparticle stability and structure
Many nanoparticle systems contain multiple particle populations:
• primary nanoparticle populations
• smaller fragments or empty particles
• aggregates
• formulation by-products
Ensemble techniques often report an average particle size that can obscure these populations. Separation-based characterization resolves individual particle populations and enables more accurate size distribution analysis.
Field-flow fractionation (FFF) is a separation technique used to analyze nanoparticles, macromolecules, and colloidal systems.
In FFF, particles travel through a thin laminar flow channel while an external field drives them toward one side of the channel. Diffusion opposes this force and determines the equilibrium position of each particle within the flow profile.
Because the laminar flow velocity varies across the channel thickness, particles located at different positions move at different speeds and elute at different times. This produces high-resolution separation of particles based on their hydrodynamic size and diffusion behavior.