Standardization News

Zeta potential provides a guide to the stability of solid or liquid particles in a liquid system, such as intravenous foods. A new ASTM International standard focuses on the zeta potential in systems containing biological material such as proteins, DNA, liposomes and other organic materials.

The new standard, E2865, Guide for Measurement of Electrophoretic Mobility and Zeta Potential of Nanosized Biological Materials, was developed by Subcommittee E56.02 on Characterization: Physical, Chemical and Toxicological Properties, part of ASTM International Committee E56 on Nanotechnology.

"Materials and molecules in biological media, such as proteins, are often labile, which means they fall apart easily, especially under the influence of an electrical field," says Alan Rawle, Ph.D., applications manager, Malvern Instruments Inc., and an E56 member. "E2865 deals with the intricacies and difficulties of measuring zeta potential in biological media."

As an example, Rawle notes soya bean emulsions (lipids) that are used as intravenous foods for hospital patients.

"Small changes in pH or the presence of calcium ions from hard water can cause agglomeration of such materials with potentially disastrous effects on the health of the patient," says Rawle.

Users of E2865 would include protein formulation personnel in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly those concerned with protein therapies and shelf life stability of preparations.

All interested parties are invited to participate in the standards developing activities of E56.

To purchase ASTM standards, visit www.astm.org and search by the standard designation, or contact ASTM Sales (phone: 877-909-ASTM; sales@astm.org).

CONTACT Technical Information: Alan Rawle, Ph.D., Malvern Instruments Inc. • Westborough, Mass. • Phone: 508-768-6434 | ASTM Staff: Kathleen McClung • Phone: 610-832-9717 | Upcoming Meeting: Nov. 12-13, 2012 • November Committee Week • Atlanta, Ga.