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Updated: May 5, 2026

Studying Dynamic Processes of Nano-sized Objects in Liquid using Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy
Published on: February 5, 2017
Analytical electron microscopy for characterization of fluid or semi-solid multiphase systems containing
Victoria Klang1, Claudia Valenta, Nadejda B Matsko
1Research Platform Characterisation of Drug Delivery Systems on Skin and Investigation of Involved Mechanisms, University of Vienna, Althanstraße 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria. nadejda.matsko@felmi-zfe.at.
This study presents a new analytical method using electron microscopy to characterize nanoparticulate materials in dermal emulsions. The approach aids in quality control and formulation development for cosmetic and pharmaceutical products.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
Background:
- Nanomaterials are increasingly used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic dermal preparations.
- Characterization methods for nanoparticulate systems in these formulations are limited.
- Quality control and formulation development require robust analytical techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a comprehensive analytical approach for characterizing nanoparticulate materials in dermal emulsions.
- To assess the physical stability of emulsions containing nanoparticulate matter.
- To evaluate the utility of various analytical electron microscopy techniques.
Main Methods:
- Development of an original sample preparation procedure.
- Application of analytical electron microscopy techniques including energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy (EFTEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS).
- High-resolution imaging for structural analysis of both emulsion and nanoparticulate components.
Main Results:
- Comprehensive structural analysis of model and marketed dermal emulsions containing nanoparticulate material.
- Detailed characterization of the emulsion bulk phase and incorporated nanosized materials.
- Presentation of an innovative analytical approach for determining emulsion physical stability.
Conclusions:
- The combined sample preparation and analytical electron microscopy methods provide a powerful tool for characterizing nanoparticulate dermal preparations.
- The developed approach offers insights into emulsion stability and formulation quality.
- The study highlights the advantages and limitations of the employed analytical imaging techniques.
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