The NanoStandard™ and MicroStandard™ product line from Applied Microspheres is a series of traceable particle size standards. Particle size standards are widely used in quality control laboratories in the pharmaceutical, semiconductor, biomedical and many other industries. They are used to calibrate particle sizing and counting instruments along with the performance of routine instrument checks and validations.

Over and above traceability to the National Institute of Standards and Technology of the USA (NIST), the NanoStandard™ 17025 and MicroStandard™ 17025 size standards by Applied Microspheres are certified by an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited metrology laboratory. They therefore meet the criteria obligatory for instrument calibration under ISO/IEC 17025 and as such meet the highest international metrological standard available.

Applied Microspheres Powder MicroStandard™ is designed for particle sizing and counting instruments that can only be calibrated using dry particles. They are available in the 3 to 220 μm range. Powder MicroStandard™ particles are composed of cross-linked polystyrene and have a density of 1,05 g/cm3 . The refractive index is 1,59 @ 589 nm. They are less suitable for redispersion in aqueous media.

The Applied Microspheres Particle Size Standard and Count Control product line is designed for optimal calibration and validation of particle sizing and counting instruments. They are perfectly suited for their application in liquid laser particle counters. The diameters range from 0,6 to 100 μm and are prepared in a specially formulated medium as low residue aqueous suspensions for minimal background interference.

PharmaCount™ count controls are designed to facilitate the control of liquid particle counters in pharmaceutical QC laboratories that need to comply with US, European, Japanese or Korean Pharmacopiea regulations.

The Multi Modal Size Standards series consist of mixtures of particle size standards of different diameters. They provide a versatile tool for accurate and reliable testing of the resolution of particle sizing instruments. They can be used for advanced operation qualification or size calibration for particle size analysis. Also, for the determination of the cut-off for filter materials, including the determination of filtration efficiency and loading capacity and many other applications.

Fluorescent microspheres emit bright and distinctive colors when illuminated by the light of wavelengths shorter than the emission wavelength. This property improves their contrast and visibility relative to background materials. Besides the features of conventional microspheres, the fluorescent products offer improved sensitivity and detectability for analytical methods, yielding very low detection limits for both particle diameters and concentrations.

Nanoparticles have an extraordinarily large surface to volume ratio that leads to surface properties governing their colloidal properties and their general behavior. Due to this dependency, it is essential to ascertain the surface properties in the technical application of particles where adhesive surface effects play a role, such as in paint and ink manufacturing. The strength of electrostatic repulsive forces, a function of the Zeta potential, drives the stability of charged particles against agglomeration. Furthermore, Zeta potential measurements are applied to determine the isoelectric point of titration in water treatment. In biological applications, the Zeta potential is used to assess the applicability of a functional particle and to investigate the success of surface-modifying experiments.

The 60000 Series consists of highly concentrated suspensions (10% w/w) that are not traceable to Si units and typically do not have "rounded" nominal values. These products are primarily used in techniques where large quantities of high precision material are required but size traceability is not essential. The most common application is filter testing, particularly for evaluation of exclusion and loading limits. The diameter is accurately determined and the size distribution is monomodal and narrow (<= 5%). Shelf life is 36 months from date of manufacture and products can be stored at room temperature.) They are typically supplied in 15 mL or 100 mL volumes, but can be supplied in powder form on request.

Custom-Made Products

Our specialized scientists are at the forefront of creating benchmark-quality particle standard products, offering exceptional customization and accelerated turnaround times due to our streamlined communication with R&D experts. From client support to reliability in lead times, we are dedicated to your satisfaction. Applied Microspheres excel in producing polymer nano- and microspheres with extremely precise size distributions. Our unique capability to stabilize multimodal suspensions enhances the longevity and reliability of custom-made particles for demanding applications (up to more than 36 months). This feature is essential for the design of custom-made particle formulations for many demanding applications. Besides, the broadness of the particle size distribution can be adjusted, depending on the product application. Precise concentrations or particle counts can be provided, even at counts lower than 500 per ml. The microspheres can be dyed with a multitude of (fluorescent) dyes and surfaces can be modified for subsequent conjugation with antibodies, or other biomolecules. The dyes are incorporated in the polymer matrix to prevent dye leakage. Different functionalizations, such as surface modification and fluorescent labeling, can be combined, leading to multifunctional particles for special applications. Custom-made products can be manufactured in large batches, which can also be reserved for your individual use. A specially formulated suspension medium ensures long-term stability and supply.

Key elements of OEM partnerships with Applied Microspheres:

Customization

This goes beyond simple branding. We offer the advantage of tailor-making highly specialized products, such as polymer nano- and microspheres, to fit the precise needs of the OEM client. This can include specific formulations, particle size distributions, surface modifications, dye incorporations, and functionalizations for particular applications.

High Standards

We commit to maintaining the highest levels of quality and precision throughout the process, adhering to international standards, such as ISO/IEC 17025. This ensures that OEM partners can confidently integrate these customized solutions into their offerings, knowing they adhere to rigorous quality benchmarks.

Flexibility in Production

Whether the need is for small batch prototypes or large-scale production runs, we can adjust our manufacturing capabilities to meet the scale needed by our OEM partners. This adaptability is crucial for OEMs who may have variable production requirements.

End-to-End Service

This service encompasses the entire cycle, from the initial consultation, where the specialized needs are discussed and blueprinted, all the way to production completion. This comprehensive approach means OEM partners are supported throughout the development process, ensuring the final product aligns directly with their expectations and project needs.

Strategic Collaboration

The emphasis on collaboration signifies a partnership approach rather than a simple client-vendor relationship. We view our OEM partnerships as strategic, aiming to build long-term relationships that benefit both parties through innovation, shared expertise, and mutual growth.