Evaluating Nanoparticle Hydrophobicity Using Analytical Membrane Hydrophobic Interaction Chromatography

Abstract

Nanoparticle hydrophobicity is a key factor controlling the stability, adhesion, and transport of nanoparticle suspensions. Although a number of approaches have been presented for evaluating nanoparticle hydrophobicity, these methods are difficult to apply to larger nanoparticles and viruses (>100 nm in size) that are of increasing importance in drug delivery and gene therapy. This study investigated the use of a new analytical hydrophobic interaction chromatography method employing a 5.0 μm pore size polyvinylidene fluoride membrane as the stationary-phase in membrane hydrophobic interaction chromatography (MHIC). Experimental data obtained using a series of model proteins were in good agreement with literature values for the hydrophobicity (both experimental and computational). MHIC was then used to evaluate the hydrophobicity of a variety of nanoparticles, including a live attenuated viral vaccine, both in water and in the presence of different surfactants. This new method can be implemented on any liquid chromatography system, run times are typically <20 min, and the experiments avoid the use of organic solvents that could alter the structure of many biological nanoparticles.

Microfluidic‐Assisted Self‐Assembly of 2D Nanosheets toward in situ Generation of Robust Nanofiber Film

“…On a more fundamental level, methods for reinforcement of nanofiber strength by designing internal interaction might be readily accessible. Recently, much attention has been focused toward self‐assembly of robust materials in situ, which is driven by the mutual interaction, involves hydrogen bonds, [ 9 ] π – π stacking interaction, [ 10 ] van der Waals attraction, [ 11 ] and hydrophobic interaction [ 12 ] between building blocks. Although these noncovalent interactions are normally weaker than covalent interaction, their synergistic effect and multi‐anchor effects would have a huge enhancing effect during self‐assembly process.…”