Detecting the shape of anisotropic gold nanoparticles in dispersion with single particle extinction and scattering

Abstract

The shape and size of nanoparticles are important parameters affecting the biodistribution, bioactivity, and toxicity. The high-throughput characterisation of nanoparticle shape in the dispersion is a fundamental prerequisite for realistic in vitro and in vivo evaluation, however, with routinely available bench-top optical characterisation techniques, it remains a challenging task. Herein, we demonstrate the efficacy of Single Particle Extinction and Scattering (SPES) technique for the in situ detection of the shape of nanoparticles in dispersion, applied to a small library of anisotropic gold particles, with potential developments of in-line detection. The use of SPES paves the way to the routine quantitative analysis of nanoparticles dispersed in biologically relevant fluids, which is of importance for the nanosafety assessment and any in vitro and in vivo administration of nanomaterials.

Classification and biological identity of complex nano shapes

“…It should be stressed that the ideas we describe do not replace conventional experimental nanoparticle fingerprints such as differential centrifugal sedimentation, and spectroscopic methods (i.e. single-particle extinction and scattering), all of which still give valuable basic information [47][48][49][50][51] . However, by using digitized transmission electron microscopyderived images of shapes, combined with concepts of computational geometrical analysis, we are now able to capture particle shape information that leads to a quantitative definition of shape ensembles.…”

Applications of Nanomaterials for Immunosensing

“…Gold Nanoparticles (AuNP) can be synthesized within a wide range of sizes and shapes with a multitude of surface coatings [43,47,73,74]. Moreover, they present characteristic localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) bands.…”

Towards a classification strategy for complex nanostructures

“…(b) The scheme summarises the multitude of possibilities in terms of the combination of size, core material, shape and other physical properties, surface chemistry, and functionalisation which will be further modified by the biological environment. The development of new techniques such as the Single Particle Scattering and Extinction technique (SPES) 52,53 and Analytical Ultracentrifugation (AUC) 54 especially with multi wavelength functionality (MLW-AUC) 55 has broadened our capacity in analysing the complex shapes and size range of nanomaterials in dispersion. Combining these advanced techniques with more routine instrumentation (DCS and DLS) and high resolution imaging (High Resolution-Transmission Electron Microscopy, Scanning TEM) we can obtain a higher level of characterisation and shape recognition that will soon be indispensable.…”