Interferometric Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis, or iNTA, opens the door to the world of nanoparticles: using the analysis method developed by MPL researchers, particles only a few nanometers in size can be resolved and identified, even in complex mixtures of substances. iNTA combines the interferometric measurement of scattered laser light with tracking analysis of individual nanoparticles. This method achieves unprecedented sensitivity and precision.

iNTA – A groundbreaking method with a wide range of applications

iNTA opens up completely new possibilities in the analysis of nanoscale particles. The method is used in numerous areas – from basic biological research on vesicles and viruses to pharmaceutical and colloidal research and quality control in (bio)chemical and agricultural production. The method enables researchers to observe the movement of these particles and determine properties such as size, refractive index, and concentration – without the need for labeling. This makes the method an important tool in modern research and development. For example, Prof. Sandoghdar’s team is investigating nanoparticles such as extracellular vesicles in human body fluids including blood and urine. “An important goal is to detect diseases through such examinations. The recognition we have received through this wonderful award will be very valuable in promoting and commercializing the technology”, says Prof. Sandoghdar.

In addition to Prof. Vahid Sandoghdar, Dr. Anna Kashkanova, Martin Blessing, Dr. André Gemeinhardt, Dr. Alexey Shkarin, and Dr. Tobias Utikal are involved in the research. The team is paving the way for the commercialization of iNTA and marking the beginning of a new era in particle diagnostics.

About the Berthold Leibinger Innovation Prize

Laser technology lies at the heart of many trends, be it micro-machining or 3D printing, information technology or quantum computers, to name but a few. Lasers have shrunk to tiny quantum dots on the one hand and grown into huge large-scale installations on the other. The Berthold Leibinger Foundation is therefore committed to promoting and recognizing outstanding development and research work with and on laser light. That is why the Berthold Leibinger Foundation honors innovations in laser technology every two years with its Innovation Award – regardless of whether they involve a laser-based beam source or application, or whether the development originates from a research institution or industry. Groups from all over the world are eligible to apply. The jury selects eight finalists from all applications and nominations, who then present their work to the jury in person. Finalists and winners receive their awards at a formal award ceremony. First place is endowed with 50,000 euros.

About Prof. Vahid Sandoghdar

Prof. Vahid Sandoghdar is Director at MPL, Erlangen, and heads the Nanooptics research division. The group is dedicated to the experimental and theoretical investigation of light-matter interactions at the nanometer scale. The scientists work with objects in the size range of individual molecules, proteins, or viruses. The research portfolio covers a broad spectrum of scientific questions, with the current focus on the two key areas of nano quantum optics and nanobiophotonics. The research division faces the challenge of designing innovative projects and developing measurement strategies that enable scientists to gain a quantitative understanding of complex systems in an elegant way.