Benchtop in-flow Raman analysis

Detection and identification of particles continuously via Raman spectroscopy

Although Raman microscopes have been improved over the years to provide easier particle analysis and a degree of automation, the drawbacks remain. If you are ready for Raman analysis requiring less time and effort and bringing quicker and deeper isights, read on…

We bring you BRAVE B-Elementary. Take a giant leap forward and enjoy Raman spectra recorded continuously and in-flow on a single-particle basis with minimum sample preparation.

For a completely online approach, this device is available as a PAT sensor.

Raman analysis for people who hate sample preparation

BRAVE B-Elementary takes the hassle out of Raman analysis of particles. Depending on your sample, you might not even need to filter before starting analysis: you just load the sample into the device and press Start. BRAVE B-Elementary is the perfect tool for gaining insights into large sample volumes, e.g. for non-target screening on groundwater samples. Combined with BRAVE Analytics’ particle sizing devices, it opens the door to powerful and unique particle analytics.

BRAVE B-Elementary

In-flow Raman: benchtop Raman analysis module for detecting and identifying particles (substance, phase, polymorphs)
Saves you time: minimum sample preparation and automated self-cleaning
Immediate results: Analyzes continuously and in real-time directly in the sample flow
Results you can rely on: statistically relevant results on up to 100 particles per minute with single-particle accuracy
You don't have to be an expert: intuitive operation and minimum user interaction
Wide detection range: particle sizes from 500 nm* to 50 µm* (*sample-dependent)

This is how BRAVE B-Elementary revolutionizes your particle analysis

Anyone who has ever worked with conventional Raman microscopes knows that a lot of time is spent filtering the sample and applying it to the substrate. Results come at a cost and time spent on sample preparation would be better spent elsewhere.

Wouldn’t it be great to eliminate tedious sample preparation and get straight to the chemical analysis part?

Enter BRAVE B-Elementary, the Raman analyzer which works directly from the sample vial and lets you analyze particles continuously and in-flow for minutes and even hours at a time. Sample is automatically pumped through the measuring cell, Raman spectra are recorded and the results delivered to your PC via the H.A.N.S. software. The number-based particle size and particle concentration of the sample can also be determined.

With BRAVE B-Elementary you can:

get particle analytics at the touch of a button
increase your output while reducing sample preparation efforts
obtain spectra directly and continuously by measuring in sample flow
identify many different substances in one sample
detect and read out substances even when they are at ultra-low concentrations
identify substances, phases and polymorphs in high-throughput screening
get excellent results, even when fluorescence is present
achieve high-throughput screening with ease
use the same technology as a PAT sensor directly in your production line or plant

Bringing Raman analysis in-flow for continuous results

Is it possible to adapt the fundamentals of optical tweezers to hold particles in flow steady enough to read out their Raman spectra? The answer is Yes. Using our knowledge of optical trapping (OF2i®), we created a laser setup which either slows down or stops particles for a short time as they flow through the measuring cell. The resulting Raman analyzer works in-flow and identifies up to 60 particles per minute via their Raman spectra – with automated sample handling and almost no sample preparation.

How does combined OF2i®-Raman work?

Let’s look at the schematic of the OF2i®-Raman setup, here showing measurement of 5 µm polystyrene (PS) beads.
(a) Fluidic forces transport the particles through the cell; a focused laser beam optically manipulates the particles.
(b) A SCMOS camera records the scattered Raman signal of individual particles at up to 30 frames per second. The camera image shows the recorded light of three 5 µm polystyrene beads. (see Reference 1)
(c) The analysis of the camera signal (Raman spectra) is compared with a reference spectrum. (see Reference 1)
(d) The OF2i® signal uses the speed of each particle to calculate particle size. (see Reference 2)

Reference publications

1. Šimić M, Neuper, C, Hohenester, U, & Hill, C. (2023). Optofluidic force induction as a process analytical technology. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 451(21), 5181-5191.
2. Neuper C, Šimić M, Lockwood Thomas E., Gonzalez de Vega Raquel, Hohenester Ulrich, Fitzek Harald, Schlatt Lukas, Hill Christian and Clases David. Optofluidic Force Induction Meets Raman Spectroscopy and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry: A New Hyphenated Technique for Comprehensive and Complementary Characterizations of Single Particles. Analytical Chemistry. 2024; 96(21): 8221-8844.

Scientific publication:
"OptoFluidic Force Induction meets Raman Spectroscopy and Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometry: A new hyphenated technique for comprehensive and complementary characterisation of single particles"
Neuper et al

When is OF2i®-Raman a better alternative to conventional Raman microscopes?

OF2i® + Raman has a number benefits compared to commercially available Raman microscopes.

OF2i® + Raman is for high-throughput screening.

OF2i®-Raman is ideal for the chemical analysis of large volumes of liquid sample. Even non-specialists can operate the device: sample loading and cleaning are automated; operation requires significantly less user interaction than with Raman microscopes.

OF2i® + Raman measures in-flow.

Whereas Raman microscopes provide one-off analysis of a sample, the OF2i®-Raman setup provides continuous analysis directly in-flow and over minutes or even hours. The combined method is also sensitive to ultra-low concentrations.

OF2i® + Raman has single-particle sensitivity.

The OF2i®-Raman setup detects and traps individual particles as they flow through the measuring cell. A Raman spectra is recorded for each passing particle.

OF2i® + Raman requires minimum sample preparation.

With OF2i®-Raman you do not need to prepare a substrate. Depending on your sample, you may not even need to filter the sample beforehand. The setup reads out Raman spectra from particles directly in liquid.

Send us your sample - and we'll do the rest

Find out whether BRAVE particle analytics are the answer to your particle challenges!
Get in touch. We’ll organize measurements on your sample(s) and send you a detailed measurement report.
This is the first (non-binding) step to a feasibility study. Open the door to deeper insights today!

Testimonials

This is what our customers and partners say about us

“The addition of a Raman spectrometer to the OF2i device makes it possible to not only count but also identify individual microparticles in liquids. The key strengths of this combination are that it requires little sample preparation and a large number of particles can be measured.”

"Great tool for nanomineralogy: measurements with the OF2i-Raman device shed light on the intricate composition of soil samples. There is potential to deliver Raman spectra for hundreds to thousands of soil particles per sample."

"The OF2i® technology and especially its complementation with a single-particle Raman regime allows us to extract information from particulate systems which would otherwise be hidden."

BRAVE B-Elementary is part of a modular platform

BRAVE B-Elementary makes Raman analysis easier than ever before. Your sample analysis will run without you, meaning you are free to get on with other work.

We build our BRAVE devices as a modular platform, so you can configure your system to perfectly suit your needs. The basis and prerequisite for Raman analysis is the BRAVE B-Curious nanoparticle analyzer. Adding the BRAVE B-Elementary Raman module extends the platform. These other modules are currently being developed: module to detect and determine size of large-particle counts, Raman tweezers, automation and sample handling upgrades).

The BRAVEst modules of them all

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 analysis of particle populations via Raman spectroscopy.

Modules for sample handling

To make your life easier, use the BRAVE modules for automatic sample handling and sample dilution.

PAT solutions

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

Applications: BRAVE B-Elementary in action

BRAVE B-Elementary is ideal for routine chemical analysis for non-specialists.
For people with application knowledge it is an excellent tool for gaining explorative insights.

Applications for BRAVE B-Elementary

Discover first-hand the benefits of OF2i®-Raman

BRAVE B-Elementary is currently in its growing phase. Do you have a challenge that we could take on? Are you interested to see how BRAVE B-Elementary could improve your Raman workflows? We look forward to hearing from you.

Specifications of BRAVE B-Elementary

RANGES

Raman spectroscopy for in-flow analysis

MEASUREMENT

The OF2i®-Raman measurement occurs directly in liquids as the sample flows through the measuring cell.

LASER

SETUP

How Arthur Ashkin inspired OF2i®-Raman

The many uses of optical tweezers

Christian Hill, now CEO and CTO of BRAVE Analytics, first discovered the pioneering work of Arthur Ashkin during frustrating work on his dissertation. Chris was looking for a better way to measure particle sizes as part of his PhD at the Institute for Biophysics (Medical University of Graz). Reading about the principle of optical tweezers led to many, many experiments in the small laser laboratory on the Medical University campus, eventually culminating in a ‘Eureka’ moment – and the birth of the Optofluidic Force Induction (OF2i®) principle.

Trapping particles on the donut beam

OF2i® makes use of light’s capability to manipulate, move and “trap” particles to create the optimal conditions to determine number-based particle size and particle concentration from the speed of each individually trapped particle. OF2i® measurements are available as a PAT device and benchtop device for the lab.

Using optical trapping for Raman analysis

Trapping particles in a laser beam not only has benefits for particle size determination. The setup for the BRAVE B-Elementary Raman module uses this capability to decelerate or even stop particles during continuous flow in order to read out a Raman spectra. The analysis is quick, user-independent and highly sensitive to ultra-low concentrations.

What the future holds

And because we know light can do so much more, the BRAVE team is already working on further projects to expand and complement our existing devices. Stay tuned for the launch of a separate measuring cell for determining the exact size of large particles (up to 5 µm) and much more in the pipeline.