Interpretation of particle growth and aggregation patterns obtained from the Coulter counter: a simple theoretical model.

We used a simple theoretical model to stimulate the changes in particle size distribution that occur when crystals grow, or disaggregate to a defined extent. The change in total particle volume was used as an index of growth, whereas aggregation and disaggregation were expressed as the change in total particle number. Indices of inhibition of growth and of aggregation in hypothetical test cases were calculated in relation to a control and compared with the inhibition index derived by the standard method of comparing the distribution of particle volume around a given arbitrary diameter on the particle distribution curve. We concluded that the expression of particle growth and aggregation in terms of total volume and number respectively is a preferable alternative to the standard technique.