New Instrument Measures Cells and Particles as Small as 0.2 Microns

The latest Multisizer 4e from Beckman Coulter Life Sciences features a new 10-micron aperture that enables users to obtain accurate count, size and mass distribution for particles and cells ranging from 0.2 to 1,600 microns.  Digital Pulse Processing provides high-resolution analysis in as many as 400 channels for unparalleled performance in pharmaceutical quality control, bioprocessing and industrial applications.

Incorporating the latest technology and software advances, the Multisizer 4e with unique Digital Pulse Processing delivers dynamic size measurements in real time.  High-speed signal digitalisation allows the use of various pulse parameters for more accurate cell and particle characterisation.  Response is unaffected by particle colour, shape, composition or refractive index. Biotech applications include monitoring of transfection, counting mitochondria, organelles and other intracellular components, and characterising changes in cell size when changes are made to cultures.  In these applications the volumetric analysis of the Multisizer 4e provides a more accurate and informative measurement than measuring size alone.

“Counting sub-visible particles, measuring volume as well as count and size, monitoring hundreds of channels at once - all of these features provide analysts with a highly useful and versatile instrument,” said Matthew Rhyner, PhD, Particle Characterisation Senior Global Business Manager at Beckman Coulter Life Sciences.

Sub-visible particle capability means that pharmaceuticals can be analysed for compliance with USP 788 guidelines, to ensure product cleanliness. Multisizer 4e is also compliant with 21 CFR Part 11.  Industrial applications range from ink toners to cosmetics, from environmental studies to the monitoring of filter efficiency, and many others.

Instrument operation is completely computer controlled, and intuitive software with wizards and menu driven set-up assists both beginners and experienced users.  Sample management system using Smart Technology provides consistency from one analysis to the next.

The Multisizer 4e is the newest member of the COULTER COUNTER product family and the latest advancement in a long line of cell counting and sizing instruments.