EVQ-218: Characterization of High-Energy Nanoparticles that Measure up to NIST Standards

EVQ-218 is a high-energy produced nanoparticle (NP) with a method of manufacture that avoids chemical or biological synthesis. The patented single-step process generates stable, pure metal NPs directly into HPLC grade water. Laser ablation via the multiple cross laser system occurs at a rate that is in the region of dielectric breakdown, generating temperatures and pressures akin to those of diamond formation. The spherical particles from this method have an ultrastable shell structure that inhibits the hallmark ion emission that occurs in other nanosilver species. The resulting particle size distribution is so narrow that additional size refinement or stabilizing chemistries are not necessary. These properties make EVQ-218 an attractive clean and green alternative to traditional nanosilvers, particularly when factoring in shelf life, as EVQ-218 maintains (uniform) stability for years, while NIST standard materials degrade within a few weeks. EVQ-218 characterization and differentiation are timely as the rise of antimicrobial resistance has caused a surge of research on antimicrobial silver NPs. It has been widely established that the antimicrobial activity of nanosilver is due to ion emission. Unfortunately, metal ions can be quite toxic and prevent certain biomedical and consumer product applications. In an ever-changing regulatory landscape, there is increasing scrutiny to definitively characterize nanomaterials and assess their potential environmental/toxicological footprint. EVQ-218 was characterized alongside comparable NIST standard NPs, with particular interest in speciation and fate. Particle characterization studies reveal that EVQ-218 is nearly equivalent to NIST standard material with respect to particle morphology and uniformity. Dissolution and surface chemistry studies quickly differentiate EVQ-218 as the first stable, nonemissive, pure metal NP that is on par with NIST standards for ideal materials.