Engineered Nanoparticles (ENPs) are coming into widespread use and so have become the subject of scientific interest in terms of possible toxic effects on humans and the environment. One key challenge is detection and identification of metallic ENPs in a complex fluid matrix.

In this study, a mixture of gold nanoparticles was characterized via Hollow-Fiber Flow Field-Flow Fractionation (HF5) coupled to single-particle-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (sp-ICP-MS). This approach is able to monitor changes of particle size distribution and recovery caused by variation of ionic strength in the carrier solution of the separation. The analysis yields valuable information on the particle size and the aggregation behavior of a suspension at different ionic strengths.

Thus, sp-ICP-MS complements direct sizing detectors like multi-angle light scattering (MALS) or dynamic light scattering (DLS) to analyze nanoparticles separated by FFF.

null
Download PDF
DAWN®

DAWN®

The world’s most advanced light scattering instrument for absolute characterization of proteins, conjugates, macromolecules, and nanoparticles.

The DAWN and its companion Optilab dRI detector are the established benchmarks for MALS analysis, cited in thousands of peer-reviewed publications. Multi-angle light scattering detection is indispensable for use with GPC and HPLC-SEC in order to obtain reliable molecular mass distributions and information on molecular conformation, branching ratio, fragments and aggregates.

Read more
Eclipse DualTec

Eclipse DualTec

The ultimate separation system for proteins, polymers and nanoparticles.

Flow Field-Flow Fractionation is a uniquely versatile means of size-based separations, capable of fractionating and characterizing proteins and aggregates, liposomes, emulsions, viral particles, polysaccharides, nanoparticles, polymer latex particles, colloidal soil suspensions, chemical mechanical polishing slurries, and many more – with no stationary phase and almost no shear.

Read more
Optilab

Optilab

Universal Detection for Chromatography and FFF Separations

Using a combination of cutting-edge semiconductor photodiode technology and proprietary computer algorithms, the Optilab achieves an unprecedented combination of sensitivity and range. These features mean that it addresses both standard chromatographic applications and some challenges unique to light scattering measurements such as high concentrations, determination of sample refractive increments (dn/dc) and solvent refractive index.

Read more