Zeta-potential Analyses using Micro Electrical Field Flow Fractionation with Fluorescent Nanoparticles
Moon-Hwan Chang1, Dosi Dosev, Ian M Kennedy
1Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, University of California Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, U.S.A.
Sensors and Actuators. B, Chemical
|June 11, 2008
Summary
Micro electrical field flow fractionation (mu-EFFF) offers a fast and accessible method for determining nanoparticle zeta potentials. This technique efficiently sorts particles by size and provides reliable zeta potential measurements comparable to traditional methods.
Area of Science:
- Colloid and Surface Science
- Nanotechnology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Nanoparticle applications in biotechnology are expanding, necessitating efficient manipulation and characterization tools.
- Accurate determination of colloidal properties, such as zeta potential, is crucial for nanoparticle applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate micro electrical field flow fractionation (mu-EFFF) as a tool for measuring nanoparticle zeta potentials.
- To compare mu-EFFF zeta potential measurements with those obtained from capillary electrophoresis.
- To demonstrate the utility of mu-EFFF for both particle separation and zeta potential analysis.
Main Methods:
- Polystyrene nanoparticles of two sizes, doped with fluorescent dyes, were analyzed.
- Micro electrical field flow fractionation (mu-EFFF) was employed for particle separation and zeta potential determination.
- Zeta potentials were calculated using electrophoresis theory, considering size, dielectric permittivity, viscosity, and electrophoretic mobility.
- Results were validated against standard capillary electrophoresis measurements.
Main Results:
- Mu-EFFF successfully separated polystyrene nanoparticles by size.
- Zeta potentials determined by mu-EFFF were consistent with those measured by capillary electrophoresis.
- The study confirmed the correlation between particle properties and measured zeta potentials.
Conclusions:
- Micro electrical field flow fractionation (mu-EFFF) is a viable and efficient method for nanoparticle zeta potential characterization.
- Mu-EFFF serves as a simple, inexpensive, and accessible tool for both nanoparticle separation and zeta potential measurement.
- This technique holds significant potential for advancing nanoparticle manipulation and analysis in biotechnology.
