Polymer Microparticles and Nanoparticles
Lab261 is a U.S.-based manufacturer of monodisperse and custom polymer micro- and nanoparticles (MNPs) designed for advanced research applications.
We produce particles across a wide range of materials, sizes, and morphologies, including surfactant-free nanoparticles for applications where traditional stabilizers interfere with biological or analytical performance.
Polymers by Material
Polymer-specific catalogs spanning sub-micron nanoparticles to large microspheres.
Size range: ~15 nm to >750 µm
Morphologies: spherical, irregular, heterogeneous, and microplastic-relevant structures
Polystyrene Microspheres
Monodisperse polystyrene microspheres and nanoparticles, plain and functionalized, sizes from 25 nm to 750 µm.
Color-Dyed Polystyrene Microspheres
Color-dyed PS microspheres for lateral flow assays, latex agglutination, and visual marker applications.
Fluorescent Polystyrene Microspheres
Visible and near-infrared (690–900 nm) fluorescent polystyrene for tracking, imaging, and microscopy.
PMMA Microspheres
Higher-density microspheres preferred for ICP-MS calibration and low-non-specific-binding work, 1 µm to 750 µm.
Color-Dyed PMMA Microspheres
Color-dyed PMMA for diagnostic devices and visual markers — higher density and lower non-specific binding than PS.
Fluorescent PMMA Microspheres
Fluorescent PMMA for flow cytometry, microscopy, and imaging — visible and NIR dye options available.
Micro/Nanoplastics (PE, PP, PVC, PET, PU, etc.)
Additive-free polyethylene, polypropylene, PET, and PVC microplastics for environmental fate, photodegradation, and exposure research.
Luminescent Nanospheres
Luminescent nanospheres and lanthanide-doped (e.g., Gd³⁺) particles for imaging and MRI-relevant work.
Zeta Potential Microspheres
Polymer microspheres with controlled zeta potential for colloid science and electrokinetic research.
NIST Traceable Size Standard Microspheres
Selected PS and PMMA SKUs with NIST-traceable certificates for instrument calibration.
Surfactant Free
True surfactant-free systems and ultra-low residual (<1 ppb) for sensitive biological and analytical workflows.
Customized Particles
Tailored size, polymer, morphology, surface chemistry, labeling, and surfactant level — across our full polymer portfolio.
Surfactant-free micro- and nanoparticles (SF-MNPs)
Most commercial polymer particle suspensions contain stabilizers such as Tween 20 or SDS that interfere with cell culture viability, protein binding, immunogenicity assays, mass spectrometry, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), and in vivo biodistribution work.
Lab261 develops surfactant-free particle systems — and intermediate ultra-low-residual systems — across our full polymer range, available in suspension or dry powder formats.
| Surfactant control | Standard → ultra-low (<1 ppb) → surfactant-free |
|---|---|
| Polymers | PS, PMMA, PE, PP, PET, PVC, Nylon, PC, PU |
| Formats | Aqueous suspension or dry powder |
| Particle Size | Contact us |
Technical capabilities
What we can produce in-house and through custom development.
| Particle size | ~15 nm to >750 µm |
|---|---|
| Size distribution | Monodisperse (PDI <0.1 achievable) or custom heterogeneous distributions |
| Morphology | Spherical, irregular, fragmented, multi-modal — including microplastic-relevant structures |
| Surface functionality | Plain, –COOH, –NH₂, epoxy, custom functional groups |
| Labeling | Fluorescent dyes (visible and NIR 690–900 nm), color dyes, multi-modal labeling |
| Encapsulation | Metal and lanthanide doping (e.g., Gd³⁺), fluorescent dye doping |
| Surfactant control | Standard → ultra-low (<1 ppb) → surfactant-free |
| Polymer systems | Polystyrene (PS), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Nylon (polyamide), polycarbonate (PC), polyurethane (PU), PTFE, and others |
| Characterization | Dynamic light scattering (DLS), particle size distribution, microscopy |
Why Lab261
Custom particle design
Tailored size, polymer, morphology, surface chemistry, labeling, and surfactant level — across our full polymer portfolio.
Surfactant-free capability
True surfactant-free systems or ultra-low residual (<1 ppb), required for sensitive biological and analytical workflows.
Tight monodispersity
PDI <0.1 achievable on standard products. Narrow distributions for analytical and reference-standard use.
Non-spherical & microplastic morphologies
Irregular and fragmented particles for environmental research that mimic real-world microplastic shapes.
Batch-specific characterization
Certificate of Analysis with every order. Selected SKUs available with NIST-traceable size standards.
U.S. manufacturer
Designed and produced in Palo Alto, California. Fast domestic shipping and direct technical support.
Featured in peer-reviewed research
A selection of published work using Lab261 particles. See all publications →
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2026
High-frequency ultrasound + deep learning for microplastic identification and size estimation
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2026
Wavelength-specific UV LED and far-UVC degradation of microplastics
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2025
Primary astrocytes as a cellular depot of polystyrene nanoparticles
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2025
Quantitative sizing of microplastics up to 20 µm using ICP-TOFMS
Common questions
Quick answers on capability, sourcing, and citation. See full FAQ →
- What are surfactant-free nanoparticles, and why does surfactant content matter? →
- What size ranges and polymer systems are available? →
- Can Lab261 particles be used in vivo? →
- Are size standards NIST-traceable, and can you provide a Certificate of Analysis? →
- Do you offer custom sizes, polymers, and surface chemistry? →
- How should I cite Lab261 in my publication? →
Have a specific particle requirement?
Talk to our team about custom particle design, surfactant-free formulations, or application-specific solutions.