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Updated: May 8, 2026
07:08
Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis of Gold Nanoparticles in Aqueous Media through an Inter-Laboratory Comparison
Published on: October 20, 2020
Design, construction and validation of an open-source gold nanoparticle concentration tracking device.
Sergio Molina-Prados1, Vicent Sorribes-Paulo1, Lucía Arrufat-Sorli1
1Group of Optics-UJI (GROC-UJI), Institute of New Imaging Technologies (INIT), Universitat Jaume I (UJI), 12071 Castellón, Spain.
Hardwarex
|May 7, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed a low-cost, open-source device for real-time tracking of gold nanoparticle (GNP) concentration during fabrication. This compact sensor offers a sustainable alternative to expensive spectrophotometers for nanomaterial synthesis.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Materials Science
- Optical Physics
Background:
- Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) possess unique optical properties due to localized surface plasmon resonance, crucial for applications in medicine, sensing, catalysis, and photonics.
- Precise control over GNP concentration during synthesis is vital for colloid stability and optimal performance.
- Pulsed laser ablation in liquids (PLAL) is a sustainable method for producing high-purity, ligand-free GNPs, but lacks integrated real-time monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design, construct, and validate a compact, open-source device for real-time monitoring of gold nanoparticle concentration.
- To provide an affordable and easily integrable alternative to conventional UV-VIS spectrophotometers for nanoparticle synthesis.
- To enable reproducible and sustainable nanomaterial fabrication through accessible monitoring solutions.
Main Methods:
- Development of a device integrating a 405 nm laser, photodiode, and ESP32-S3 microcontroller for data acquisition and processing.
- Open-source release of all design files, firmware, and 3D-printed casing for accessibility and reproducibility.
- Validation of the device by comparing its measurements against conventional UV-VIS absorption spectroscopy.
Main Results:
- The developed device demonstrates strong agreement with established UV-VIS absorption measurements for GNP concentration.
- The system offers a significant reduction in cost (below 40 €) and physical footprint compared to commercial spectrophotometers.
- The modular architecture facilitates integration into existing fabrication workflows and enables real-time monitoring.
Conclusions:
- The proposed compact sensor serves as a viable, cost-effective replacement for commercial spectrophotometers in monitoring GNP concentration during PLAL.
- This open-source approach enhances the accessibility, reproducibility, and sustainability of nanomaterial synthesis.
- The technology has the potential to streamline fabrication processes and reduce operational costs in nanotechnology research and production.
