PHYS 457 |
| Interest in nanotechnology is rapidly growing as applications for nanoparticles in drug delivery and as image contrast agents are realized. Nanoparticles, as its name implies, refers to particles with sizes ranging from a few nanometers to hundreds of nanometers. Based on this definition, it is size which differentiates nanoparticles from all other particles. Also, it is size which will determine the properties of the nanoparticles and ultimately its function and efficacy in real-world applications. Thus it is important to properly characterize the size of nanoparticles. Light scattering (static and dynamic) is a non-invasive technique for measuring particle size and size distribution in solution. Measurements can be made in batch or flow mode. In the case of batch mode, the average size of the nanoparticle is determined. Thus if the sample contains impurities or aggregates, the size would be skewed and inaccurate. To accurately determine size, some type of separation would be needed. Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC) is a separation technique used for determining purity of a sample and is based on the molecular size of the sample components. Coupled with a multiple angle laser light scattering (MALLS) and inline dynamic light scattering (DLS) detectors, the size can be determined for the fractionated sample. Samples comprised of dendrimers and liposomes were measured in batch and flow mode and the implications of the size results are discussed. Acknowledgement: Funded by NCI Contract N01-CO-12400 |
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PHYS Poster Session - Nanostructured Materials and Nanophotonics
7:30 PM-10:00 PM, Wednesday, April 9, 2008 Morial Convention Center -- Hall A, Poster
Division of Physical Chemistry |