Mean Particle Size Distribution Research Articles

Iron oxide quantum dots‐based fluorescence probe for rapid and selective cytosine sensing

AbstractThe application of iron oxide quantum dots (IOQDs) in this study led to the development of a straightforward, easy, and selective approach for cytosine sensing. To examine the capability of IOQDs in detecting nucleobases, attempts have been made to gain insight into the characteristics of IOQDs, including UV/Vis spectroscopic analysis, infrared spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and powder‐XRD. We introduced IOQDs with a mean particle size distribution of 5.71 ± 0.08 nm for detecting cytosine by harnessing a turn‐on fluorescence phenomenon. The fostering fluorescence response of IOQDs was triggered in the presence of cytosine. In comparison, the presence of other nucleobases did not further induce the fluorescence signal of IOQDs. It was concluded that the hydrogen bonding bridging the carboxylate and hydroxyl groups on the surface of QDs with the amine groups of cytosine results in the elevation of IOQDs fluorescence.

Particle Sizing and Surface Area Measurements: A Comparative Assessment of Commercial Air Permeability and Laser Light Diffraction Instruments

Six different commercial powders, finer than 45 μm, were used for examining the effects of particle characteristics on mean particle size and specific surface area. The measurements were carried out using the most commonly used air permeability- and laser light diffraction (scattering) techniques. As the air permeability method has been used as a benchmark for decades in the powder metallurgy (P/M) industry, the physical phenomena that govern the passage of gas through the powder bed under laminar flow conditions were also presented. The experimental data indicate that both methods give similar results for spherical powders. The advantage of laser light systems over gas permeameters is the ability to provide additional information on particle size distribution. Irregularly shaped powders should be analyzed by both techniques, relying on gas permeametry for surface area measurements and on laser light diffraction for the estimation of mean particle size and size distribution. Application of scanning electron microscopy as a complementary technique was found very helpful in the interpretation of data through visualization of individual particles.

PVP/aprepitant microcapsules produced by supercritical antisolvent process

The supercritical antisolvent (SAS) process was a green alternative to improve the low bioavailability of insoluble drugs. However, it is difficult for SAS process to industrialize with limited production capacity. A coaxial annular nozzle was used to prepare the microcapsules of aprepitant (APR) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) by SAS with N, N-Dimethylformamide (DMF) as solvent. Meanwhile, the effects of polymer/drug ratio, operating pressure, operating temperature and overall concentration on particles morphology, mean particle diameter and size distribution were analyzed. Microcapsules with mean diameters ranging from 2.04 μm and 9.84 μm were successfully produced. The morphology, particle size, thermal behavior, crystallinity, drug content, drug dissolution and residual amount of DMF of samples were analyzed. The results revealed that the APR drug dissolution of the microcapsules by SAS process was faster than the unprocessed APR. Furthermore, the drug powder collected every hour is in the kilogram level, verifying the possibility to scale up the production of pharmaceuticals employing the SAS process from an industrial point of view.

Optimization of Particle Size Distribution with Gaussian Analysis of Albumin Microcarriers Cross-linked by Natural Phenolic Compounds

The biodegradation of albumin into natural products and nontoxicity besides its antigenicity has many advantages in controlled drug delivery of therapeutic agents. A bifunctional covalent bonding agent, glutaraldehyde is extensively used for linking amine groups of albümin microparticles/microcarriers (AlbMC’s). But its cytotoxicity and the rapid calcification of the glutaraldehyde-treated tissue limit the use of glutaraldehyde. Phenolic compound showed non-covalent and covalent chemical interactions with proteins. The objective of this research is to prepare three different natural phenolic compound cross-linked/stabilized AlbMC’s and estimate the cross-linker concentration which is giving narrow size distributions since it is important to gain higher surface area. The influence of qallic acid (GA), tannic acid (TA) and quercetin concentrations on AlbMC’s size was investigated by Gaussian function analysis of microcarriers determined after optical micrograph measurements. Gallic acid (GA) stabilized AlbMC’s have 3.35  0.71 μm average mean size distribution while it was 3.56  0.71 μm for Quercetin and 3.71  0.69 μm for TA stabilized microcarrier formations. Average mean particle size distribution of AlbMC’s synthesized with synthetic cross-linker, glutaraldehyde was calculated as 5.12  0.50 μm. All statistical analysis were evaluated by MATLAB program. New approach for albumin microcarrier synthesis by using phenolic compounds as a cross-linker can be proposed as an alternative microcarrier preparation system with narrow size distributions.

Mean Particle Size, Organic Carbon, and Porewater Salinity Distribution of Surface Sediments Using a Dataset from the Hwangdo Tidal Flat, Taean, Western Korea

Mean Particle Size, Organic Carbon, and Porewater Salinity Distribution of Surface Sediments Using a Dataset from the Hwangdo Tidal Flat, Taean, Western Korea

Reconstruction of nanoparticle size distribution in laser-shocked matter from small-angle X-ray scattering via neural networks

Abstract Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) has been widely used as a microstructure characterization technology. In this work, a fully connected dense forward network is applied to inversely retrieve the mean particle size and particle distribution from SAXS data of samples dynamically compressed with high-power lasers and probed with X-ray free electron lasers. The trained network allows automatic acquisition of microstructure information, performing well in predictions on single-species nanoparticles on the theoretical model and in situ experimental data. We evaluate our network by comparing it with other methods, revealing its reliability and efficiency in dynamic experiments, which is of great value for in situ characterization of materials under high-power laser-driven dynamic compression.

Development and Evaluation of Tacrolimus Loaded Nano-Transferosomes for Skin Targeting and Dermatitis Treatment

Tacrolimus (TRL) is used for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) due to its T-cell stimulation effect. However, its significantly poor water solubility, low penetration and cytotoxicity have reduced its topical applications. Herein, tacrolimus loaded nano transfersomes (TRL-NTs) were prepared, followed by their incorporation into chitosan gel to prepare tacrolimus loaded nano transfersomal gel (TRL-NTsG). TEM analysis of the TRL-NTs was performed to check their morphology. DSC, XRD and FTIR analysis of the TRL-NTs were executed after lyophilization. Similarly, rheology, spreadability and deformability of the TRL-NTsG were investigated. In vitro release, ex vivo permeation and in vitro interaction of TRL-NTsG with keratinocytes and fibroblasts as well as their co-cultures were investigated along with their in vitro cell viability analysis. Moreover, in vivo skin deposition, ear thickness, histopathology and IgE level were also determined. Besides, 6 months stability study was also performed. Results demonstrated the uniformly distributed negatively charged nanovesicles with a mean particle size distribution of 163 nm and zeta potential of -27 mV. DSC and XRD exhibited the thermal stability and amorphous form of the drug, respectively. The TRL-NTsG showed excellent deformability, spreadability and rheological behavior. In vitro release studies exhibited an 8-fold better release of TRL from the TRL-NTsG. Similarly, 6-fold better permeation and stability of the TRL-NTsG with keratinocytes and fibroblasts as well as their co-cultures was observed. Furthermore, the ear thickness (0.6 mm) of the TRL-NTsG was found significantly reduced when compared with the untreated (1.7 mm) and TRL conventional gel treated mice (1.3 mm). The H&E staining showed no toxicity of the TRL-NTsG with significantly reduced IgE levels (120 ng/mL). The formulation was found stable for at least 6 months. These results suggested the efficacy of TRL in AD-induced animal models most importantly when incorporated in NTsG.

Numerical simulation of polydisperse particle segregation based on a bubble-based drag model

This work is devoted to the development of a novel polydisperse drag model based on particle type for bubbling fluidized beds. Traditional homogeneous drag models do not take into account the heterogeneous mesoscale structures, while this model is a mesoscale-structure-dependent drag model. The model combined with Energy Minimum Multiscale (EMMS) theory has been successfully applied to the simulation of polydisperse particle segregation. Four particle size distribution (PSD) systems (including a binary system with different sizes, a binary system with different sizes and densities, a normal PSD and a lognormal PSD) were selected to validate the model under various superficial gas velocities. The PSD was decomposed into several types of solids, each governed by its own set of hydrodynamic equations. The solution algorithm was able to find the heterogeneous index for each solid, which was dependent on both slip velocity and solid concentration. Experiments were subsequently conducted under identical conditions to compare the experimental data with the simulated data. The average relative error between the simulation data and the experimental data about the mean particle size distribution was less than 5%. These results indicated that the proposed model outperformed other drag models in accurately predicting particle segregation behavior.

Metformin HCl-loaded transethosomal gel; development, characterization, and antidiabetic potential evaluation in the diabetes-induced rat model

Herein we designed, optimized, and characterized the Metformin Hydrochloride Transethosomes (MTF-TES) and incorporate them into Chitosan gel to develop Metformin Hydrochloride loaded Transethosomal gel (MTF-TES gel) that provides a sustained release, improved transdermal flux and improved antidiabetic response of MTF. Design Expert® software (Ver. 12, Stat-Ease, USA) was applied for the statistical optimization of MTF-TES. The formulation with Mean Particle Size Distribution (MPSD) of 165.4 ± 2.3 nm, Zeta Potential (ZP) of −21.2 ± 1.9 mV, Polydispersity Index (PDI) of 0.169 ± 0.033, and MTF percent Entrapment Efficiency (%EE) of 89.76 ± 4.12 was considered to be optimized. To check the chemical incompatibility among the MTF and other formulation components, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was performed and demonstrated with no chemical interaction. Surface morphology, uniformity, and segregation were evaluated through Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). It was revealed that the nanoparticles were spherical and round in form with intact borders. The fabricated MTF-TES has shown sustained release followed by a more pronounced effect in MTF-TES gel as compared to the plain MTF solution (MTFS) at a pH of 7.4. The MTF-TES has shown enhanced permeation followed by MTF-TES gel as compared to the MTFS at a pH of 7.4. In vivo antidiabetic assay was performed and results have shown improved antidiabetic potential of the MTF-TES gel, in contrast to MTF-gel. Conclusively, MTF-TES is a promising anti-diabetic candidate for transdermal drug delivery that can provide sustained MTF release and enhanced antidiabetic effect.

Influence of Block-Copolymers' Composition as Compatibilizers for Epoxy/Silicone Blends.

The objective of this study was to prepare crosslinked epoxy networks containing liquid silicone particles in order to improve their mechanical properties and obtain less brittle materials. Different copolymers were used as compatibilizers. These copolymers vary in their chemical composition and structure. All of the copolymers contain hydrophobic (PDMS sequences) and hydrophilic groups. The effect of their chemical structure and architecture on the morphology of the dispersed phase, and on the final physico-chemical and flexural characteristics of epoxy/silicone blends, was explored. The morphology of crosslinked formulations was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the thermal characteristics (glass transition temperature, Tg, and curing exothermic peak) were determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The experimental results have shown that the average diameter and particle size distribution of silicone particles depend on the chemical structure and architecture of the compatibilizers. One copolymer has been identified as the best compatibilizer, allowing a lower mean diameter and particle size distribution in addition to the best mechanical properties of the final network (less brittle character). This study has consequently evidenced the possibility of creating in situ silicone capsules inside an epoxy network by adding tailored compatibilizers to epoxy/silicone formulations.

Green synthesis of SiO2 nanoparticles from Egyptian white sand using submerged and solid-state culture of fungi

This work aims to successfully produce silica nanoparticles (SNPs) from Egyptian white sand using the fungal bioleaching process as a cost-effective and eco-friendly approach. The impact of fungus cultivation techniques (submerged culture SMC and solid-state culture SSC) on the characteristics of the produced SNPs has been investigated. In addition, the most promising fungal isolates for each culture method were selected and identified by morphological and molecular methods. The biosynthesized SNPs were fully characterized by DLS, FTIR, XRD, SEM, EDX, and HRTEM studies. DLS results showed that Aspergillus niger solid-state culture had developed SNPs with a mean particle size distribution of about 3.6 nm, whereas Penicillium crustosum submerged culture developed SNPs with 50.7 nm. SEM images revealed that the prepared SNPs under SMC and SSC have sphere-shaped particles with smooth surfaces and semi-homogeneous characteristics. Moreover, the HRTEM imaging confirmed the spherical shape with an average size of 3.5 and 28.8 nm for the nanosilica synthesized during solid-state and submerged culture, respectively. Based on the results, we recommended using SSC to produce silica nanoparticles from white sand with a small nano-size, high purity, and better economical production. The scientific advances focused on some particular fungi's capacity to manufacture SNPs with high purity, small size, and techniques that were both economical and environmentally beneficial.Graphical

Antibacterial efficacy of greenly synthesized silver nanoparticles using nanocurcumin and silver nanoparticle gel on bovine mastitis

This study summarizes the synthesis of AgNPs using nanocurcumin as a reducing and stabilizing agent (CurAgNPs). The stability of CurAgNPs after 12 months of storage and their antimicrobial activity against four bacteria causing mastitis in cows were investigated. Ultraviolet—visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy of the dark brownish-red stabilized CurAgNPs solution decating the surface plasmon resonance peak of the sample was observed at 438 nm. Images of the spherical CurAgNPs were obtained using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which showed a mean particle size distribution of 15–58 nm, with a mean size of 32 nm. The influence of CurAgNPs on four microorganisms that cause mastitis in cows, Streptococcus agalactiae (S. agalactiae), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), and Eschericia coli (E. coli), was studied, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was from 1.6 to 6.25 ppm. From this, the MBC of CurAgNPs were observed at 3.15 ppm for S. agalactiae, and 6.25 ppm for S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and E. coli, respectively. The formulated homogeneous gel containing 100 ppm CurAgNPs, 1.5% carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and distilled water was developed with a viscosity of 141 ± 7.55 cP, pH of 6.72 ± 0.11, and homogenized. The zeta potential of CurAgNPs gel after 6 months of storage is almost constant. In addition, the improved CurAgNPs gel demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity compared with tetracycline at a concentration of 100 ppm.

Nutrient recovery through struvite precipitation from anaerobically digested poultry wastewater in an air-lift electrolytic reactor: Process modeling and cost analysis

Anaerobic digested poultry wastewater (ADPW) is characterized by high levels of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus), which need to be removed and recovered before the wastewater is discharged into water bodies with advanced nutrient recovery technologies that are cheap and eco-friendly. In this study, an innovative air-lift electrolytic reactor (ALER) with a magnesium anode was developed for phosphate (PO43−) and ammonia–nitrogen (NH3–N) recovery from anaerobically digested poultry wastewater through electrochemical struvite (MgNH4PO4‧ 6H2O) precipitation. Under constant current density (12.4 A/m2) and superficial velocity (107.42 m/h), the maximum removal efficiencies of PO43− and NH3–N were 99.9% and 97.3%, respectively. Kinetic modeling revealed that PO43− and NH3–N removal from the liquid phase by the ALER followed a pseudo-first-order reaction model, with rate constants (k) of 0.0188 min−1 and 0.0143 min−1, respectively. The recovered precipitate was characterized with FTIR, XRD, and SEM-EDS which also identified that precipitates as high-purity (88.5%) struvite with a mean particle size of 142.95 μm. Mean particle size and size distribution were found to be linearly increased with superficial upflow velocity. The electrical energy consumption per order (EEO) of the ALER was 0.824 kWh/m3, and the space–time yield is achieved at 0.988 kg/m3h with a corresponding operating cost of 3.87 $/m3. The ALER process has proven to be energy efficient in nutrient recovery from ADPW with struvite products suitable to be used in agricultural practices.

A Glance at Dysprosium Oxide Free Powders

Background: Dysprosium oxide (Dy2O3) gathers a set of profitable properties with a wide range of applications, including energy and astronomy. Particular characteristics directly influence the formation and features of materials by colloidal processing. The main purpose of this paper is to carry out a powder characterization of Dy2O3 particles. The findings reported are worthwhile parameters to advance in the formulation of new smart materials for radiation dosimetry. Methods: Dy2O3 powders were characterized by XRD, PCS, SEM, pynometric density (ρ), FTIR, ICP, EPR, and zeta potential (ζ). Results: The powdered samples exhibited as main features a cubic C-type structure following the RE-polymorphic diagram, a mean particle size distribution with d50 of 389nm, and pynometric density of 7.94g.cm-3. The EPR spectra revealed three distinct peaks, p1, p2, and p3, with the following g values: 2.3121, 2.1565, and 2.1146. In addition, the nanoparticles presented high stability at pH 5.5 and a ζ-value of |49.7|mV. Conclusion: The powder characterization of Dy2O3 powders was reported. The results achieved in this study may be considered worthwhile parameters to advance in the formulation of Dy2O3- based materials for radiation dosimetry.

Комплексный анализ параметров распыления назальных спреев, содержащих антибиотики, противовоспалительный и сосудосуживающий компоненты

Objective. To compare spraying parameters of two multicomponent nasal sprays, Polydexa with phenylephrine (Polydexa with PE) and its generic, to choose the spary with an optimal quality of spraying. Materials and methods. We used a silicone model of the nasal cavity (Koken Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) to analyze spray distribution in the nasal cavity. A planar simulation model (a plate for thin-layer chromatography “silica gel 60 without fluorescence”) was used to assess spraying parameters and width. Dynamic characteristics of spraying and the dispersed composition of sprays were evaluated using shadow photography. Results. We evaluated the distribution of the spray dose in the nasal cavity using the silicone nose model. We compared dose distribution between the two sprays studied using both full and half-filled bottles. We assessed the breadth and homogeneity of the spray by analyzing the track on a planar simulation model. Shadow photography was used to evaluate the dynamic spraying characteristics, such as total duration, duration of the individual stages of spraying, spray-cone angle, as well as dispersion characteristics, including mean particle sizes and particle size distributions. Conclusion. Experiments with the silicone nose model demonstrated that Polydexa with PE creates a larger area of spray distribution than generic, which indicates its better coverage of the nasal mucosa. Сomparison of the dynamic spraying characteristics showed a significant difference between the two sprays studied caused by differences in the design of their vials. The dispersed compositions of both sprays were similar, although Polydexa with PE produced a more homogeneous and finely dispersed spray than generic. Comparison of the shape and area of the spraying track on a planar simulation model showed a wide but uneven spraying of generic and a narrow, dense and homogenous one of Polydexa with PE. Key words: nasal spray, silicone nose model, shadow photography, spraying characteristics, neomycin, polymyxin B, dexamethasone, phenylephrine

Bubble-Based EMMS Drag Model for Particle Segregation Simulation with a Continuous Size Distribution

Particles in industrial fluidized beds are usually continuously distributed rather than monodisperse in size, and the separation of particles is a key factor in determining the performance of the fluidized reactor. In this paper, a bubble-based Energy Minimum Multi-Scale (EMMS) drag model was proposed to simulate polydisperse segregation in a gas–solid fluidized bed. Particle size distribution (PSD) was split into a sufficient class of characteristic particle sizes. Each size was treated as a solid phase, and the total drag force could be estimated by considering the influence of all solid phases and mesoscale structures. The EMMS drag model was then coupled with the Eulerian multi-fluid model (MFM) to simulate the segregation behavior of a polydisperse particle system. The effects of discrete particle size classes, different drag models, and gas velocities on the simulation results were also discussed under different operating conditions. The results showed that the present drag model was in better agreement with the experimental data in terms of axial solids concentration and mean particle size distribution than other models. In bubbling beds, the segregation patterns of polydisperse particles can be well predicted by this method.

Formulation of dry powders of vaccines containing MF59 or AddaVax by Thin-Film Freeze-Drying: Towards a dry powder universal flu vaccine

MF59® is an oil-in-water (O/W) nanoemulsion-based vaccine adjuvant that is often used in seasonal and pandemic influenza vaccines. We explored the feasibility of developing dry powders of vaccines adjuvanted with MF59 or AddaVax™, a preclinical grade equivalent of MF59 with the same composition and droplet size as MF59, by thin-film freeze-drying (TFFD). Liquid AddaVax alone was successfully converted to a dry powder by TFFD using trehalose as a stabilizing agent while maintaining the droplet size distribution of AddaVax after it was reconstituted. TFFD was then applied to convert liquid AddaVax-adjuvanted vaccines containing either a model antigen (e.g., ovalbumin) or mono-, bi-, and tri-valent recombinant hemagglutinin (rHA) protein-based H1 and/or H3 (universal) influenza vaccine candidates, as well as the MF59-containing Fluad® Quadrivalent influenza vaccine to dry powders. Both antigens and stabilizing agents affected the physical properties of the vaccines (e.g., mean particle size and particle size distribution) after the vaccines were subjected to TFFD. Importantly, the integrity and hemagglutination activity of the rHA antigens did not significantly change and the immunogenicity of reconstituted influenza vaccine candidates was maintained when evaluated in a mouse model. The vaccine dry powder was not sensitive to repeated freezing-and-thawing, in contrast to its liquid counterpart. It is concluded that TFFD can be applied to convert liquid vaccines containing MF59 or AddaVax to dry powders while maintaining the immunogenicity of the vaccines. Ultimately, TFFD technology may be used to prepare dry powders of multivalent universal influenza vaccines.

Importance of Microstructure on Precipitation in Tempering of Martensitic Steels

Precipitation hardening is one of most effective strengthening mechanisms in steels, and much research has been performed in the past. To evaluate the contribution of precipitates, the quantitative features of precipitates including mean size and particle size distribution etc., are vital and needed. However, the predictive modeling of precipitation is still a challenge so far, especially on a quantitative level. Thus, in the present work, precipitation of carbides after tempering of martensitic Fe-Cr-C alloys, consisting of hierarchically arranged substructures within the prior-austenite grains, namely packets and blocks of individual laths, up to 1000h has been investigated. Experimental measurements using electron microscopy and modeling using a Langer-Schwartz theory with the Kampmann-Wagner -Numerical (KWN) method have been conducted. The importance of a proper definition of the initial microstructure for predictive modeling is discussed, in terms of the comparison of calculated and experimental results.

Evaluation of Rare-earth Sesquioxides Nanoparticles as a Bottom-up Strategy Toward the Formation of Functional Structures

Background: The strategy to form functional structures based on powder technology relies on the concept of nanoparticles characteristics. Rare-earth sesquioxides (RE2O3; RE as Y, Tm, Eu) exhibit remarkable properties, and their fields of application include energy, astronomy, environmental, medical, information technology, industry, and materials science. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the characteristics of RE2O3 nanoparticles as a bottom-up strategy to form functional materials for radiation dosimetry. Methods: The RE2O3 nanoparticles were characterized by the following techniques: XRD, SEM, PCS, FTIR, ICP, EPR, and zeta potential. Results: All RE2O3 samples exhibited cubic C-type structure in accordance with the sesquioxide diagram, chemical composition over 99.9 %, monomodal mean particle size distribution, in which d50 value was inferior to 130 nm. Among all samples, only yttrium oxide exhibited an EPR signal, in which the most intense peak was recorded at 358mT and g 1.9701. Conclusion: Evaluating nanoparticle characteristics is extremely important by considering a bottom-up strategy to form functional materials. The RE2O3 nanoparticles exhibit promising characteristics for application in radiation dosimetry.

A coupled MMC-LES and sectional kinetic scheme for soot formation in a turbulent flame

A soot kinetic sectional scheme is coupled with the sparse multiple mapping conditioning / large eddy simulation (MMC-LES) method to model soot formation in a turbulent, non-premixed, piloted methane flame (Delft Flame III). The kinetic sectional scheme used here discretises the population balance equation according to soot particle size. The sections (or bins) are treated as lumped species, and the physico-chemical soot formation is modelled through elementary-like reaction pathways with Arrhenius rate expressions. This allows the soot kinetics to be naturally coupled with the gas phase molecular kinetics. Interactions of soot formation and molecular chemistry with turbulence is achieved through the MMC-LES model. This is a Monte Carlo filtered density function approach in which the micromixing is local in an independent reference space permitting use of a computationally efficient sparse distribution of stochastic notional particles. The model results are compared to experimental data for the gas-phase velocity and molecular species in the upstream low-soot region and with soot statistics in the downstream region. The gaseous quantities have very good agreement with the experimental data. Overall the soot predictions are in good qualitative agreement with the data, particularly with respect to the peak value of the mean soot volume fraction, the shape and range of the joint probability density function of soot volume fraction and spatial location, and the rate of soot oxidation and burnout. However, in common with other published attempts at the Delft Flame III using a range of different models, the predicted soot formation begins and peaks well upstream of the experimental measurements. The minimum soot intermittency is underpredicted relative to the data but shows a significant improvement on previous attempts to model it. The analysis also explores the evolution of the mean and instantaneous particle size distributions and some aspects of soot-chemistry-turbulence interactions.