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Detection and Quantification of Single Engineered Nanoparticles in Complex Samples Using Template Matching in
Shavkat Nizamov1, Vitali Scherbahn1, Vladimir M Mirsky1
1Department of Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, Brandenburgische Technische Universität Cottbus-Senftenberg , 01968 Senftenberg, Germany.
Analytical Chemistry
|September 17, 2016
Summary
This study introduces a new ultrasensitive method for detecting single nanoparticles in complex samples like wine or juice. It uses surface plasmon microscopy and template matching for real-time, pretreatment-free nanoparticle analysis.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Detecting single nanoparticles in complex matrices is challenging due to matrix effects.
- Existing methods often require extensive sample pretreatment.
- Ultrasensitive and direct detection methods are needed for accurate nanoparticle characterization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an ultrasensitive analytical method for direct detection of single nanoparticles.
- To overcome matrix effects in complex environments.
- To enable real-time quantification and characterization of nanoparticles without pretreatment.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing wide-field surface plasmon microscopy (SPM).
- Employing image analysis based on template matching to suppress matrix effects.
- Collecting characteristic SPM images of nanoparticles in aqueous suspensions for template creation.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated quantification and characterization of nanoparticle size at sub-ppb levels (∼100 pg/mL).
- Successfully applied the method in complex media such as wines, fruit juices, and cosmetic formulations.
- Achieved real-time visualization of nanoparticles with a working range of approximately 10^6 to 10^10 nanoparticles per mL.
Conclusions:
- The developed SPM method offers ultrasensitive, direct detection of single nanoparticles in complex environments.
- Template matching effectively suppresses matrix effects, enabling accurate analysis without sample pretreatment.
- This method provides a powerful tool for real-time nanoparticle quantification and characterization in diverse real-world samples.
