Flow Imaging Microscopy Blog

December 2018 — A recent study by researchers from the University of New England and University of New Hampshire has demonstrated that flow imaging microscopy is an accurate, more efficient, and more informative method of elastin-like polymer (ELP) coacervate analysis than standard methods. ELP coacervates are a class of molecules with promising applications in drug delivery vehicles, tissue engineering, environmental remediation, and more. ELP coacervate architecture is stimuli-responsive and highly tunable, making them ideal for the above-mentioned applications.  

The uniformity of a printer toner particle affects the distribution of charge the particle holds and as a result can affect image quality of the printed materials. 

In this recently published paper, colleagues at Baker Hughes demonstrated that dynamic fluid imaging can be used to analyze the oil content in produced water. Using the FlowCam, they were able to quickly analyze the oil/solids content, oil droplets size and size distribution using only a small sample size. Additionally, the analysis help to understand the behavior and performance of reverse emulsion breakers (REBs) used in water clarification. As a result, various methods of REBs could be tested and the most effective methods were identified.

Compact dry powders are used in our daily lives—they are used to create pharmaceutical tablets, detergent tablets, cosmetics, and candy. Production of a compact powder often begins with cold compaction to achieve powder cohesion through mechanical densification. Mechanical densification is governed by particle rearrangement, and elastic and plastic deformation. This initial compaction provides the powder with sufficient strength to withstand further manufacturing operations and handling.

A manufacturer of micronized diamonds used the FlowCam to ensure a new batch met their desired specifications – at least 95% of the diamond particles needed to have a uniform, smooth perimeter.

Taste and texture can't be directly measured, so you need to rely on “tasting panels” in order to gather information on prospective products. This is both time consuming and expensive.

Particle size, and more importantly particle shape, correlate directly to the taste and mouth-feel of food products. FlowCam can help you determine the optimum size and shape of the particles in your product, and then enable you to quickly analyze batches to ensure they meet the standard.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are low density, flexible, electrically conductive materials, with individual tubes having relatively high tensile strength. Nanocomp Technologies, Inc. produces carbon nanotubes in the form of sheets, tapes, powders, dispersions, and yarns. Their products are used for aerospace, aviation, armor, and flame-resistant applications.
Nanocomp’s CNTs have tremendous aspect ratios; thousands of times greater than other commercially available carbon nanotubes. 

Particles come in many shapes and sizes.  Analyzing particles in food ingredients and correctly characterizing them is important because they can greatly affect the taste, appearance, stability, and processability of the final product.  CP Kelco, a leading producer of specialty hydrocolloids, manufactures a variety of texturizing and stabilizing ingredients for food processors.  Dynamic imaging particle analysis allows them to quickly and easily detect particle variations and ensure top quality products.

Microencapsulation is a process that applies a shell layer around a core particle to control the rate of chemical reactions, protect bioactive ingredients during digestion, and extend the rate of diffusion of fragrances and aromas, among other applications. Visual analysis following the microencapsulation process is necessary to verify the stability of the process and the quality of the shell layering.