Particle Metrix

02/09/2026

New on our YouTube channel: Discover what’s new in ZetaSphere Version 1.2!

The latest update brings new features and improvements designed to make nanoparticle characterization with the Particle Metrix ZetaView® even more efficient, reliable, and intuitive.

And the best part: ZetaSphere Version 1.2 is available free of charge to all ZetaSphere users and can be easily installed via the ZetaSphere Installer.

In the video, we take you through some of the key updates:
• ROI-based Cluster Settings for targeted subpopulation analysis
• PDF export of Sample Overlay analysis
• Improved autofocus algorithm
• Expanded worklist automation
• Live camera view in the measurement dialog
• Automatic quality control
• Improved Grubbs outlier detection
• More intuitive organization of measurement data

Whether for routine measurements or advanced nanoparticle analysis, ZetaSphere Version 1.2 provides new tools to support efficient workflows, reproducibility, and reliable data.

▶️ Watch the video to discover the new features, and update your ZetaSphere software via the Installer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JchDdZzR9M

Discover the latest features and improvements introduced in ZetaSph...

27/08/2026

We are at the British Society for Nanomedicine Annual Meeting at UCL East!

Together with our UK & Ireland distributor Analytik, we are showcasing Particle Metrix technology as part of a workflow for nanoparticle and extracellular vesicle research - complemented by additional technologies to support researchers throughout their workflow.

Yesterday, our colleague Bertrand Damart gave a talk on:
“ZetaView® Evolution: A New Edge for Nanoparticle Characterization”
Missed the talk, still have questions, or want to discuss how your specific samples can be characterized with the ZetaView® Evolution?
Come by the Analytik Ltd stand! Bertrand will be there until the end of the conference and is happy to discuss your samples, measurement challenges, and how ZetaView® Evolution can support your research.

A big thank you to Mel Disher for the great collaboration and for bringing Particle Metrix technology closer to the UK nanomedicine community!

26/08/2026

EV samples are highly heterogeneous - and that makes reliable characterization challenging.

Scatter measurements alone are often not sufficient to distinguish extracellular vesicles from other particles in a sample. But membrane dyes come with their own limitations: other components, such as lipoproteins, can also be stained and potentially mistaken for EVs.

This is where specific antibody-based detection can make a real difference. With our F-NTA Detection Kit, fluorescently labeled antibodies enable the specific detection and characterization of EV subpopulations - adding another layer of specificity to NTA measurements.

Want to learn more about the challenges of EV characterization and how fluorescence can help?
👉 Check out our application note: https://www.particle-metrix.com/blogs/application-notes/specific-quantification-of-extracellular-vesicles-via-fluorescence-nta-discriminating-between-ev-populations-and-lipoprotein-co-isolates

13/08/2026

Particle Metrix Summer School 2026 - Part 6:
Wrap-Up: F-NTA in a nutshell

Over the past weeks, we have explored the fundamentals of Fluorescence Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis ( ) and have explained why it is a valuable tool in nanoparticle research.

▪️ Bringing multiple parameters together
F-NTA has established itself as an important method for EV analysis because it combines:
- Particle sizing
- Particle concentration
- Fluorescence-based phenotyping
… all at the single-particle level. These data are obtained quickly and with minimal sample preparation, making F-NTA a valuable tool for EV characterization.

▪️ One tool within a larger toolbox
Importantly, in EV characterization there is no either-or decision between F-NTA and other analytical methods.
Instead, F-NTA represents one important component within a broader repertoire of EV characterization methods. Techniques such as Western Blotting, Flow Cytometry, Electron Microscopy or ELISA provide complementary information that contributes to reliable EV identification and characterization.

▪️ The unique strength of F-NTA
Within this toolbox, F-NTA fills a particularly valuable niche by selective detection and characterization of labeled particle subpopulations.
This is especially useful when you work with complex biological samples. By detecting fluorescently labeled EVs, F-NTA helps to identify the target particles in your sample.

▪️ Challenges can be overcome
As we discussed throughout this series, successful F-NTA measurements require careful experimental design.
Selecting the right markers and fluorophore, using the right staining protocols and implementing proper controls helps to generate valid data that you can trust.

▪️ Moving EV characterization forward
The strength of F-NTA lies not in replacing established analytical methods, but in complementing them.

At , we support researchers not only with our ZetaView® instruments, but also with optimized reagents and validated protocols designed to facilitate reliable and reproducible F-NTA measurements.

If you are looking to gain deeper insights into your EV populations, F-NTA may be a valuable addition to your analytical workflow.

Thank you for following our 2026 series! We hope these posts have provided useful insights into the opportunities and practical considerations of fluorescence-based nanoparticle analysis.
If there's a topic you'd like us to cover in a future series, let us know!

06/08/2026

Particle Metrix Summer School 2026 - Part 5:
The most overlooked step in fluorescence ? Controls!

Controls are not optional - they are essential. Yes, they may be one of the less exciting and more time-consuming aspects of research, but they ultimately determine the value of your scientific results.
Well-designed validation strategies help:
- Increase confidence in your data
- Improve reproducibility between experiments

In short: Controls turn observations into reliable conclusions.

▪️ Essential controls for F-NTA: A robust F-NTA workflow should include the following controls:
- Unstained particle controls - to assess autofluorescence and background signals
- Isotype controls (IgG) - to evaluate non-specific antibody binding
- Buffer-only controls - to identify contamination or instrument background
- Fluorophore-only controls - to assess free dye contributions, antibody aggregation and background fluorescence
- Positive biological controls (e.g., reference EV standards) - to confirm successful target detection
- Negative biological controls - to verify assay specificity

▪️ Validation questions every researcher should ask:
Controls alone are not enough. Validation is equally important.
Before interpreting your data, ask yourself:
- Does the antibody specifically bind to the intended target?
- Is the fluorescence signal reproducible across measurements?
- Are results consistent between replicates?
- Is the detected signal clearly above background levels?
- Do the controls support the biological conclusion?

▪️ Good controls lead to better science
The goal of is not simply to detect fluorescent particles - it is to generate reliable and interpretable data.
A carefully designed control strategy helps ensure that the particles you detect are truly the particles you intend to measure.

When planning your next experiments:
Do your controls. Validate your assay. Trust your data. Celebrate.

30/07/2026

Particle Metrix Summer School 2026 - Part 4:
Are you afraid of failure?

It’s true, F-NTA staining is more than simply adding a fluorescent antibody to your sample. But proper staining strategies and some practical tips will eventually result in data you can trust.

▪️ The most common challenge - Background fluorescence:
For F-NTA, less is often more.
Many staining protocols use an excess of dye to ensure that all particles are labeled. While this approach works well for other methods, in F-NTA it bears the risk of getting too much background fluorescence, which can interfere with particle detection.
Based on years of experience and valuable feedback from our users, we have found that a no-wash strategy often delivers the best results:
- Use the highest possible dye concentration without introducing background fluorescence
- Start with a dilution series when testing a new fluorophore
- Incubate with a higher concentration of EVs and dye, followed by a final dilution step before measurement

▪️ Choosing the right fluorophore:
Not every fluorescent label performs equally well for nanoparticle analysis.
When selecting a fluorophore, consider:
- Brightness
- Photostability
- Spectral compatibility with your instrument

▪️ Antibody selection matters too:
Fluorophores are only part of the equation. Successful EV detection also depends on choosing the right antibody:
- High specificity
- Low non-specific binding
- High affinity towards the target antigen

▪️ One of the fundamental challenges in EV research is that many EV markers are EVs that often carry only a small number of target molecules, making fluorescence detection particularly challenging.
Marker expression can vary strongly between EV populations from different origins. Consequently, a marker that is highly suitable for one sample may not be helpful in another.
As an initial screening step, it is often advisable to evaluate several established EV markers, such as CD9, CD63, and CD81, to identify the most suitable ones for your samples.

▪️ A ready-to-use solution for EV detection:
If you want a shortcut, we've bundled optimized protocols in our Detection Kits - but these principles apply to any F-NTA workflow.

Have you tried fluorescence NTA yet?
What's been your biggest staining challenge with EVs?
- Background noise?
- Marker variability?
Let's discuss your workflow and find the best approach together.

23/07/2026

Particle Metrix Summer School 2026 - Part 3:
Where does Fluorescent NTA fit into the EV characterization toolbox?

Extracellular vesicle (EV) characterization is not about finding one perfect analytical method. It is about combining complementary techniques, each answering a different question.
A variety of analytical tools are available, but none of them provides the complete picture. The challenge is knowing which technique to use and when.

For many researchers, this process starts immediately after EV isolation.
Before investing time and resources into molecular or functional assays, it is essential to understand the physical characteristics of the sample.
- Is the concentration sufficient?
- Does the size distribution match the expected EV population?
- Is the preparation reasonably clean?
- Is the sample stable?

This is where Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA) becomes the ideal first-line characterization tool.
Within a single measurement, NTA provides:
- Particle concentration
- Size distribution
- Sample heterogeneity
- Stability (Zeta Potential, ZetaView®)
- A rapid quality assessment to guide downstream analysis

These results help determine whether a sample is suitable for further characterization and which complementary techniques should follow.

Adding biological identity with Fluorescent NTA
While conventional NTA tells you how many particles are present and how large they are, Fluorescent NTA ( ) answers another important question:
Which of these particles are actually biological EVs?

Using fluorescence, F-NTA links physical particle characterization with biological specificity. Depending on the labeling strategy, F-NTA can:
- Measure the size and concentration of labeled EVs.
- Determine the proportion of biological particles using membrane dyes.
- Estimate EV purity by distinguishing membrane-positive vesicles from non-vesicular nanoparticles.
- Identify EV subpopulations expressing specific surface markers such as CD9, CD63, and CD81.
- Quantify marker-positive EVs while simultaneously measuring their size and concentration.

Rather than replacing other analytical techniques, F-NTA provides the missing link between particle characterization and biological identity, helping researchers decide how to proceed with more advanced analyses.

The key message:
Successful EV characterization is not about finding a single "best" technique.
It is about asking the right question at the right stage of your workflow.
provides the physical foundation of your sample. Fluorescent NTA adds biological identity by revealing which particles are true EVs and estimating their purity. Together, they provide the information needed to confidently select the most appropriate downstream analytical techniques.

Curious how Fluorescent NTA could fit into your EV characterization workflow? Let's discuss your application.

17/07/2026

Particle Metrix Summer School 2026 - Part 2:
"It worked! These are my EVs!"

We've all had that moment of excitement when particles suddenly appear on the screen. But are they really what you are looking for?
It's not only about measuring particles - it's about measuring the right ones.

Standard detects everything that scatters light. Fluorescent NTA ( ) only measures particles carrying a fluorescent label.
That's the difference between noise and signal.

Let’s take blood plasma as an example.
A standard NTA measurement detects:
- Extracellular vesicles (EVs)
- Lipoproteins
- Protein aggregates
- Other nanoparticles

Together with fluorescent labeling with EV markers like CD9, CD63, or CD81, F-NTA selectively detects the EV population.
Your target particles stand out from the background.

Advanced systems like the ZetaView® Evolution take it further with multiple fluorescence channels:
- Detection of different biomarkers in a single sample
- Dual labeling of individual particles
- Co-localization of two markers on the same EV

F-NTA moves NTA beyond particle counting and sizing into true Hashtag .

In next week's Summer School #3, we'll explore where F-NTA fits in with other tools we use to characterize EVs - and how it complements other analytical techniques.

→ What's been your biggest challenge when characterizing EVs in complex samples?

16/07/2026

🏃‍♀️ B2Run Munich 2026 🏅

Great energy, great teamwork, and a fantastic evening at the B2Run in the Olympiapark München!

More than 30,000 participants from companies across the Munich region came together for this year's run, and the Particle Metrix team was right in the action.
A big thank you to everyone who took on the 6 km course and made it such a fun event.
We’re already looking forward to the next one - hopefully these impressions will inspire even more colleagues to join us next year!

13/07/2026

New on our YouTube Channel: ZetaView® Compliance Feature Explained

How can laboratories ensure data integrity, user accountability, and full traceability in GxP-regulated environments?
Our latest video introduces the ZetaView® Compliance Feature in and demonstrates how it helps laboratories strengthen security while supporting regulatory compliance.

In this video, you'll learn about:
✔️ User Management with role-based access control
✔️ Audit Trail for complete traceability of user and system activities
✔️ Security and password policies
✔️ Support for regulatory requirements such as 21 CFR Part 11
✔️ Best practices for configuring your ZetaView® system for compliant workflows

Whether you're working in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or other regulated laboratories, the ZetaView® Compliance Feature helps protect data integrity, improve user accountability, and provide transparent documentation of critical system activities.

🎥 Watch the full video on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NZW3_8qjX8

Interested in learning more? Contact your local Particle Metrix GmbH representative or visit: 🌐 https://www.particle-metrix.com/

Learn how the ZetaView Compliance Feature helps laboratories meet t...