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Beckman Coulter’s Multisizer 4 offers a user-friendly, technologically-sophisticated system that can resolve most counting and particle sizing challenges. The Multisizer 4 has utilized the Coulter Principle with Smart Technology, ensuring uniformity, consistency of sample analysis and repeatability of results. The cleaning procedures are valuable when characterizing very small particles at low concentrations. This article discusses in details the analysis procedures.

It is important to note that all buffers must be highly filtered to ensure precise counting. It is recommended that buffers are filtered through the 0.45 μm filter, followed by the 0.2 μm filter connected in serial. For convenience, continuous filtration with PES filters is recommended.

In the case of study analyzed in this article, the Multisizer 4 has been idle for more than 72 h; repeated flushing with a 2% solution of neutral detergent is recommended. Optionally, isopropyl alcohol (IPA) can be used. Any salt crystals, dirt or other contaminants are removed, which may have been formed in the system while it was idle.

The start-up procedure of the Multisizer 4 comprises the following steps:

It is important to note that the internal waste tank may become full during this process. In that case, “Empty Waste Tank” must be selected when prompted. This will pump the contents of the internal waste tank to the external waste jar.

Based on the type of sample system being run as well as the guidelines presented in Table 1, an aperture needs to be selected with which to work. “Run” has to be selected from the menu bar, then “Change Aperture Tube Wizard” must be selected. The on-screen instructions need to be followed.

Table 1. Guidelines for buffer strength and lowest recommended size range.

* Not recommended for low-conductivity buffers.

The steps to be followed are listed below:

Figure 1. The mini-cuvette adapter allows users to operate the Multisizer 4 with as little as 4 mL of material. Image credit: Beckman Coulter

Figure 2A. Screenshot of the “Check the noise level” command under Run/Troubleshooting Menu. Image credit: Beckman Coulter

Figure 2B. Screenshot of the “Check Noise Level”command. After selecting “Measure Noise Level”, the results should match or exceed the recommendations in Table 1. Image credit: Beckman Coulter

Figure 3A. Screenshot of the “SOM” Menu. Select “Edit SOM” to open SOM menu. Image credit: Beckman Coulter

Figure 3B. Screenshot of the “Edit the SOM” Menu. Use the tabs in the SOM menu to navigate. Ensure all the settings match those described in the text. Image credit: Beckman Coulter

Figure 4. Screenshot of the buffer only sample run. The total number of particles should be less than 100 for a run of a 100 μl blank. “Number” should be less than 100 for analysis of 100 μl from a blank. Image credit: Beckman Coulter

Figure 5A. With the door open, hold a beaker filled with 2% soap solution around the aperture. Image credit: Beckman Coulter

Figure 5B. While holding the beaker with soap solution, select “Unblock” button in the software. Image credit: Beckman Coulter

This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Beckman Coulter, Inc. - Particle Characterization.

For more information on this source, please visit Beckman Coulter, Inc. - Particle Size Characterization.

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