Our History
Wyatt Technology Corporation (WTC) is involved in the development of instruments, software and applications for absolute macromolecular and nanoparticle characterization. Founded in 1982 by Dr. Philip J. Wyatt, the company was formed around his patents, ideas and inventions in industrial and medical domains relating to the first multi-angle light scattering instruments using lasers. WTC’s multi-angle light scattering (MALS) detectors for determining absolute molecular weights and sizes of proteins, polymers, biopolymers and nanoparticles in solution, now represent the gold standard of those products. In addition, the company manufactures differential refractometers, differential viscometers, dynamic light scattering instruments for batch and microwell applications, zeta potential instruments, composition-gradient apparatus, as well as field-flow fractionation separation systems and their software. Most recently, the company has introduced its MALS to Process Analytical Technology (PAT) realms in biotechnology for monoclonal antibodies, viruses, AAV’s, virus-like particles as well as lipid nanoparticles.
The inventors of MALS celebrate an early application of laser light scattering.
WTC's business began with a single, $50,000 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract, awarded to the firm by the U.S. Army Bioengineering Medical Research & Development Laboratory to establish the feasibility of instrumentation for the detection of toxicants in drinking water within sixty minutes. Another contract was awarded in the 1980’s by the U.S. Army Armament, Munitions and Chemical Command to build an aerosol monitoring device for sub-micron particles. A notable major contract early in the company’s history was also awarded by the Office of Naval Research, to develop an in situ particle monitoring device for characterizing undersea environments and their particulate constituents.
With direct sales and service facilities in Europe, Asia and the U.S., WTC's Santa Barbara headquarters covers approximately 45,000 square feet of modern electronics, optical prototype, sales and laboratory facilities. Read more about our history here.