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Benchtop particle characterization

Investigating particle count, size distribution and particle concentration

Whether you are manufacturing semiconductors or producing pharmaceuticals, cosmetics or biotech formulations, time-resolved measurement of your product’s particle parameters with the BRAVE benchtop analyzers helps you safeguard your product quality – and gives you valuable data to improve your production processes.

For research and product development, the BRAVE devices give you a fast track to better understanding particle systems and the processes at work in your samples. 

Accelerate your QC

  • improve product yield and quality by tracking agglomeration, aggregation or the formation of flocculates
  • get the right insights at the right time
  • understand the composition of your product with the data to improve it
  • and protect against out-of-spec production by quickly detecting contamination or anomalies

What are you interested in?

These are just some of the strengths of BRAVE particle sizing devices:

Flying through batch QC with full particle size distribution data at a glance

The continuous in-flow OF2i® measurement with single-particle accuracy provides detailed insights into all the particle populations of your sample and allows you to track changes in particle size and particle concentrations so as to keep on top of e.g. homogenization steps and other processes involving strict requirements for particle size distribution.

Take the first step with a contract measurement
>>

Stopping out-of-spec production happening

Whether you are manufacturing medical formulations, cosmetics or semiconductor wafers, what really hurts is to waste valuable time and resources on out-of-spec product. Directly monitoring production with the option to respond to negative changes immediately is essential.
This may be via a PAT sensor or implementing reliable QC in the lab or at-line.
Turnaround time is critical. BRAVE devices deliver the right results quickly.

See our PAT solutions
>>

Keeping aggregation in check by tracking changes in particle count and particle concentration

Keep on top of changes in your particle systems and take the guesswork out of e.g. fermentation or emulsion polymerization processes. 


You want to stop a process before monomers suddenly become too many dimers, trimers or fibrils? With the BRAVE B-Aware module for BRAVE B-Curious base station, monitoring the particle count and particle concentration continuously and in real-time is now reality.

Browse the use cases
>>

Taking the guesswork out of fermentation processes

Don’t let a batch spoil while waiting for results from the lab. Connect a BRAVE B-Curious to your reactor and analyze a few microliters per hour to instantly get a window into cell growth and protein expression.

You can now make informed decisions about the best time to harvest, minimize product heterogeneity and aggregation levels.
BRAVE devices deliver the right results to keep you in the loop.

Talk to our experts
>>

Benefits of BRAVE particle analyzers

  • Disrupting conventional approaches to particle sizing:
    these benchtop particle analyzers bring a previously unseen capability for continuous measurement on sample in a flow-through cell

  • Saving you time:
    you get results quicker than with conventional methods

  • Providing deeper insights:
    measure continuously to track changes in real-time; proven throughput up to 1000 particles/minute, measurement over minutes up to hours

  • Delivering results you can trust:
    reproducible and 100 % representative results, even for complex, polydisperse systems

  • Taking the pain out of cleaning:
    an automated self-cleaning cycle cleans the device in just 30 seconds

  • Strengthening your QC:
    the BRAVE particle analyzers are built for the lab to immensely improve your quality control routines

  • Made to scale up:
    using the same measuring principles and routines, the BRAVE particle analyzers complement the PAT sensors for direct production monitoring

Groundbreaking research?

BRAVE particle characterization in academia

The BRAVE particle analyzers give you a new in-depth, single-particle analysis with the capability to monitor sample behavior as it happens in the flow cell. Besides the standard generated measuring report you also get access to the raw data and live stream video. We can advise on how to interpret data, just get in touch. See how our devices are involved in groundbreaking research in in the field of nanoparticle characterization.

The brave side of pioneering research

  • Investigation of cell cultures
  • Medical research into vaccines and drug delivery systems
  • Understanding and improving monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), protein aggregation and protein-protein and protein-ligand interactions.
  • Laboratory analysis of lipid-injectable emulsions for total parenteral nutrition
  • Understanding dynamic liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) processes involved in the formation of biocondensate formation
  • Analysis of bottled water, waste water, surface water to detect nano- and microplastics

Keep pace with developments - and outrun your competitors

Investing in new technology with more depth of analysis is a good way to keep ahead of the competition. The future is here before you know it. 

Previously unseen capabilities of BRAVE devices:

  • observe changes in nanoparticle size distribution as they happen in the flow cell
  • obtain insights in-flow on a single-particle basis
  • better understand sample kinetics and document changes and interactions happening in the sample
  • cover a wide particle size range: 5 nm to 3 µm (sample-dependent; using both BRAVE B-Curious and BRAVE B-Aware together)
  • detect and capture even ultra-low concentrations and get statistically relevant results
  • obtain measurement data much faster than with conventional methods
  • be flexible to add other BRAVE modules later: Raman analysis, Raman tweezers, detection of large-particle counts
Browse additional analysis modules

Which setup is right for you?

This is the BRAVE B-Curious
base station

  • use this benchtop particle analyzer for particle size and particle concentration measurement and continuous, time-resolved nanoparticle characterization

  • particle detection range 50 nm* to 3 µm* (*sample-dependent)

  • uses the patented OptoFluidic Force Induction (OF2i®) principle for particle sizing

  • adding other BRAVE software modules:
    add a small-particle module, large-particle detector or Raman analyzer at any time later

This is BRAVE B-Curious
with the BRAVE B-Aware software module

  • add this optional software module for particle concentration measurement and continuous determination of particle count

  • extends the particle detection range to include 5 nm* to 50 nm* (*sample-dependent; for particle counts and concentration)

  • uses Static Light Scattering (SLS) for detecting small particles

  • BRAVE B-Curious + BRAVE B-Aware module:
    combining both technologies in a single measurement gives you multiple insights into your sample composition and behavior

What are you looking for?

Do you need particle size distribution (PSD) values?

>> BRAVE B-Curious

Are you interested in sample behavior such as dissolution, dissociation, condensate formation, crystallization and protein-protein interactions? >> BRAVE B-Curious (or BRAVE B-Aware for small particles)

Do you want to detect the onset of aggregation, agglomeration or other process? >> BRAVE B-Aware

Do you want to detect ultra-low particle concentrations (a few particles per milliliter)? >> BRAVE B-Curious

Do you need particle sizing with single-particle sensitivity? >> BRAVE B-Curious

See the device configurations

Specifications

See the device configurations

brave B-Curious

SIZE RANGE

Particle sizing from approx. 50 nm to 3 µm (sample-dependent)

  • Optimal concentration range: 106 particles/ml to 1010 particles/ml
  • Particles detected per minute: up to 1000 particles per minute (sample-dependent)

MEASUREMENT PRINCIPLE

Uses the patented OF2i® principle of continuous particle sizing 

  • Single-particle sensitivity
  • Continuous and time-resolved measurement

SETUP

  • The BRAVE B-Curious nanoparticle analyzer can be combined with a software module BRAVE B-Aware, hardware module BRAVE B-Phat, hardware module BRAVE B-Elementary and sample handling and diluting modules

BRAVE B-Aware

SIZE RANGE

Particle sizing from approx. 5 nm to 50 nm (sample-dependent)

  • Concentration range: sample-dependent
  • Particles detected per minute: over 1000 particles per minute (sample-dependent)

MEASUREMENT PRINCIPLE

Uses single-particle light scattering (SPLS); detects and evaluates the intensity signals of the light scattered by individual particles

  • Delivers particle and object count & concentrations
  • Continuous and time-resolved measurement

SETUP

  • Is a software module for BRAVE B-Curious nanoparticle analyzer
  • Requires BRAVE B-Curious base station
  • Delivers results on the same sample simultaneously with results from BRAVE B-Curious

Browse our scientific publications

Would you like to learn more about the theoretical background of the BRAVE technologies, their proof-of-concepts and exciting hyphenation with other techniques?
Take a look at our scientific papers.

Read more

BRAVE modules for a brave world

We built the BRAVE modular platform, so you can configure it to perfectly suit your needs. Our experts will work together with you on a custom-tailored setup. Typically, BRAVE B-Curious will be the base station. You add modules as you require – with the possibility of future upgrades and additional modules at a later date. For scale-up into 24/7 production monitoring, we also provide PAT sensors. 

Time-resolved PSD and particle sizing

Allows the monitoring of PSD continuously and directly out of containers. Ideal for monitoring agglomeration, formation, dissolution, aggregation, dissociation, self-assembly and more. Size range: 50 nm* to 3 µm* (*sample-dependent)

Particle concentration and particle counts

Allows the detection of small particles from approx. 5 nm to 50 nm. Gives insight into agglomeration and aggregation behavior.

Large-particle tails & PFAT5

Allows the detection and sizing of large-particle tails, LPC, large aggregates and anomalies. Also for PFAT5 detection. Size range: 2 µm* to 80 µm* (*sample-dependent)

Raman analytics

Allows the detection, identification and characterization of particle populations via Raman spectroscopy.

Modules for sample handling

Every BRAVE device requires a Fluid Automation Module. The specifications and performance of this module depends on your sample and requirements. Get in touch!

PAT solutions

For 24/7 production monitoring BRAVE Analytics provides custom-tailored online solutions.

Book a live demo

Free OF2i® Guide

Would you like to learn more about particle characterization techniques and OF2i® in particular? We have a handy paperback book for you! Register for a free “OF2i® Guide” and we will send it to you by post.

Chapters include:

  • classifications of particle size, particle shape, particle concentration and PSD
  • an overview of Brownian-motion-based techniques, scattering-based techniques and our patented Optofluidic Force Induction princip
  • the theory behind OF2i®’s data processing
  •  

Send your name and address to:

curious@braveanalytics.eu

Brave Analytics - Graph zu Methodenvergleich OF2iBrave Analytics - Graph zu Methodenvergleich OF2i

Too good to be true?

A continuous measurement in a lab instrument?
Single-particle sensitivity?
Additional small-particle or Raman analysis?
You’ve never heard of it before and yet the real-time insights from this new approach could save you money and greatly improve your particle processes. Check out how our BRAVE devices are helping these customers in research and industry. For more information, contact us or book a live demonstration and we will answer all your questions.

You are just one click away from revolutionizing your particle sizing!

Learn more

BRAVE B-Curious compared to conventional methods for particle size measurement

A number of methods for particle characterization are available. These all have their advantages and disadvantages and are suited for different areas of application. BRAVE B-Curious with the patented OF2i® method has a number of advantages over conventional approaches.

BRAVE B-CURIOUS vs Laser diffraction

Laser diffraction is one of the most commonly used methods for particle characterization in the laboratory, mainly because it is so versatile. However, laser diffraction does have some drawbacks. Using the OF2i® principle brings the following benefits compared to laser diffraction.
  • Unlike laser diffraction measurements, OF2i® results are unaffected by the polydispersity of the samples. With BRAVE B-Curious you get information on all the particle populations in your sample and not just averaged values.
  • With BRAVE B-Curious you can enjoy insights into your sample’s behavior over time (seconds, minutes or several hours) on one measuring report.
  • BRAVE B-Curious lets you track the actual number-based D-values (D10, D50, D90) as well as particle concentration as they change over time to gain a deeper understanding of your sample.
  • With BRAVE B-Curious it is possible to easily observe aggregation, condensate formation, agglomeration, dissolution or dissociation behavior as it happens.
  • You see a live view of particles in the flow cell and can track particle behavior during measurement.
  • BRAVE B-Curious is able to detect extremely low particle concentrations even down to a few particles per milliliter.
  • Measurements from only 20 µL of sample are possible.

BRAVE B-CURIOUS vs TEM oder SEM

Electron microscopes deliver impressive high-resolution images. Despite offering in-depth analysis, BRAVE B-Curious still has benefits compared to this method of particle analysis.

  • Compared to TEM or SEM, BRAVE B-Curious saves you lots of time. Measurements with the OF2i® method take seconds as only minimum sample preparation is needed and cleaning efforts are reduced.
  • BRAVE B-Curious requires only a short training before use as OF2i® is straightforward and software-guided.
  • BRAVE B-Curious even allows measurements from only 20 µL of sample

BRAVE B-CURIOUS vs NTA

If you are used to measuring your samples with Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis, OF2i® brings you the following benefits:
  • Instead of manually cleaning the sample chamber for several minutes, the integrated self-cleaning of BRAVE B-Curious only takes a few seconds and is fully automated.
  • With BRAVE B-Curious you can analyze up to nine samples without any required manual steps.
  • BRAVE B-Curious delivers accurate particle concentration measurements based on the defined sample volume due to the precise OF2i® optical trapping.
  • Measurement results are representative for the whole particle population and statistically relevant. Up to 1000 particles per minute are pumped continuously through the flow cell. An NTA result is based on a much lower number of particles per measurement.
  • BRAVE B-Curious delivers reliable results from as little as 20 µL sample volume.
  • BRAVE B-Curious is a robust device which is insensitive to vibrations and other environmental disturbances.
  • The measurement values are available automatically and are user-independent.
  • BRAVE B-Curious delivers analysis and results in seconds during measurement and updated continuously instead of getting results minutes or hours after measuring.
  • Measurements can be done continuously for seconds, minutes or many hours without a break.

BRAVE B-CURIOUS vs DLS

If you are used to analyzing particles with Dynamic Light Scattering, you can look forward to next-level results and benefits such as:

  • With OF2i® you get statistically relevant measurement results based on single-particle sensitivity and actual D-values (D10, D50, D90). A complete sizing histogram shows you particle concentration and particle size, whereas DLS can only give you a Z-average number which does not represent the individual particle populations.
  • BRAVE B-Curious effectively measures every particle trapped in the laser beam. It is not possible for small particles to hide from detection as OF2i measures up to 1000 particles per minute.
  • Unlike with DLS measurements, BRAVE B-Curious results are largely unaffected by the polydispersity of the samples so you see exactly which populations you are dealing with.
  • With BRAVE B-Curious you get insights into your sample’s behavior over time (seconds, minutes, hours) on one measuring report.
  • You can track the actual D-values as well as concentration in real-time as they change over time to gain a deeper understanding of your sample.
  • With BRAVE-B-Curious you can easily observe e.g. aggregation, condensate formation, dissolution or dissociation behavior as it happens.
  • BRAVE B-Curious allows you to monitor your sample in the flow cell on a live data stream.
  • You can now detect extremely low particle concentrations of down to a few particles per milliliter.
  • BRAVE B-Curious delivers measurements from only 20 µL of sample.
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As a partner in the NanoPAT project, BRAVE Analytics has received funding from the European Union’s HORIZON 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement n°862583.
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As a partner in the MOZART project (MOZART for safe & sustainable by-design metallic coatings & engineered surfaces (RIA)), we received funding from the European Commission as part of the EU Horizon 2020 program.

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