Long-term Colloidal Stability Research Articles

Effect of “corona-core” structuring of poly(1-vinyl-1,2,4-triazole)–poly(acrylic acid)-Ag(I) interpolymer complexes on the radiation-induced preparation and stability of silver nanoparticles

Interpolymer complexes (IPC) of water-soluble polymers can be promising matrices for the synthesis of metal colloids. In this work, silver nanoparticles were obtained via radiation-induced reduction (under X-ray irradiation) of complexes based on poly (1-vinyl-1,2,4-triazole) (PVT) and poly (acrylic acid) (PAA) containing Ag+ ions. Particular attention was paid to the role of the supramolecular structure in the formation of nanoparticles. Combined dynamic light scattering and electrophoretic mobility measurements have revealed that, in pH range 5.5–7, micro-scale aggregates of the initial PVT-PAA-Ag(I) IPC transform into nano-sized particles consisting of a PVT-Ag(I) core electrostatically stabilized by PAA loops and tails forming a corona. It was explicitly demonstrated for the first time that such transformation of IPC aggregates can significantly enhance the efficiency of AgNPs formation. In particular, using UV-VIS spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy, we have shown that at pH 7.0 the core of the “corona-like” form of the PVT-PAA-Ag(I) complex ensures the radiation-induced generation of AgNPs with a narrow size distribution due to the strong affinity of triazole groups to the metal surface. At the same time, the localization of the excessive negatively charged carboxylate groups in the outer part of the complex provides a long-term colloidal stability of the prepared AgNPs.

Kinetically Controlled Polyelectrolyte Complex Assembly of microRNA-Peptide Nanoparticles toward Treating Mesothelioma.

Broad size distributions and poor long-term colloidal stability of microRNA-carrying nanoparticles, especially those formed by polyelectrolyte complexation, represent major hurdles in realizing their clinical translation. Herein, peptide design is used alongside optimized flash nanocomplexation (FNC) to produce uniform peptide-based miRNA particles of exceptional stability that display anticancer activity against mesothelioma in vitro and in vivo. Modulating the content and display of lysine-based charge from small intrinsically disordered peptides used to complex miRNA proves essential in achieving stable colloids. FNC facilitates kinetic isolation of the mechanistic steps involved in particle formation to allow the preparation of particles of discrete size in a highly reproducible, scalable, and continuous manner, facilitating pre-clinical studies. To the best of the authors knowledge, this work represents the first example of employing FNC to prepare polyelectrolyte complexes of miRNA and peptide. Encapsulation of these particles into an injectable hydrogel matrix allows for their localized in vivo delivery by syringe. A one-time injection of a gel containing particles composed of miRNA-215-5p and the peptide PKM1 limits tumor progression in a xenograft model of mesothelioma.

Pickering Emulsions of Thermotropic Liquid Crystals Stabilized by Amphiphilic Gold Nanoparticles.

We report emulsions of thermotropic liquid crystals (LCs) in water that are stabilized using amphiphilic gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and retain their ability to respond to aqueous analytes for extended periods (e.g., up to 1 year after preparation). These LC emulsions exhibit exceptional colloidal stability that results from the adsorption of AuNPs that are functionalized with thiol-terminated poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG-thiol) and hexadecanethiol (C16-thiol) to LC droplet interfaces. These stabilized LC emulsions respond to the presence of model anionic (SDS), cationic (C12TAB), and nonionic (C12E4) surfactants in the surrounding aqueous media, as evidenced by ordering transitions in the LC droplets that can be readily observed using polarized light microscopy. Our results reveal significant differences in the sensitivity of the stabilized LC droplets toward each of these analytes. In particular, these stabilized droplets can detect the cationic C12TAB at concentrations that are lower than those required for bare LC droplets under similar experimental conditions (0.5 and 2 mM, respectively). These results demonstrate an enhanced sensitivity of the LC toward C12TAB when the PEG/C16-thiol-coated AuNPs are adsorbed at LC droplet interfaces. In contrast, the concentrations of SDS required to observe optical transformations in the stabilized LC droplets are higher than those required for the bare LC droplets, suggesting that the presence of the PEG/C16-thiol AuNPs reduces the sensitivity of the LC toward this analyte. When combined, our results show that this Pickering stabilization approach using amphiphilic AuNPs as stabilizing agents for LC-in-water emulsions provides a promising platform for developing LC droplet-based optical sensors with long-term colloidal stability as well as opportunities to tune the sensitivity and selectivity of the response to target aqueous analytes.

Assembly of spherical-shaped resistant starch nanoparticles to the oil droplet surface promotes the formation of stable oil in water Pickering emulsions

The use of starch-based nanoparticles in stabilizing Pickering emulsions has gained momentum since it offers a versatile, biocompatible, and sustainable approach with a wide range of applications. In the present study, starch nanoparticles produced using a sequential 3-step physical process were used as particle stabilizers to create Pickering emulsions. According to our results, high amylose starch nanoparticles can provide long-term colloidal stability to Pickering emulsions. The concentration of the particle-based stabilizer affected the size of the droplets, which in turn had an impact on the stability properties of the produced emulsions. By increasing nanoparticle concentration, surface and interfacial tension were reduced, providing the ability to the particles to adsorb at the interface. When starch and oil concentrations were compared using Dynamic Laser Scattering (DLS) and zeta potential, smaller droplets were produced by increasing starch amount and improved stability was depicted. Rheological profiles showed that the emulsion network structure was strengthened by the addition of nanoparticles, increasing the storage (G′) and loss (G″) moduli, as well as viscosity. In conclusion, the produced emulsions can be categorized as Pickering emulsion gels. These networks, specifically at starch nanoparticle concentration of 3% w/v and 5% w/v, have the advantage of preventing phase separation, droplet coalescence, and Ostwald ripening. The formation of a strong gel network was also obtained by Confocal Laser Microscopy (CLSM). All in all, this study provides new insights into the preparation and stabilization of starch-based Pickering emulsions, as the demand for sustainable and eco-friendly solutions in food product development is growing.

Designer phospholipid capping ligands for soft metal halide nanocrystals

The success of colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) in science and optoelectronics is inextricable from their surfaces. The functionalization of lead halide perovskite NCs1–5 poses a formidable challenge because of their structural lability, unlike the well-established covalent ligand capping of conventional semiconductor NCs6,7. We posited that the vast and facile molecular engineering of phospholipids as zwitterionic surfactants can deliver highly customized surface chemistries for metal halide NCs. Molecular dynamics simulations implied that ligand–NC surface affinity is primarily governed by the structure of the zwitterionic head group, particularly by the geometric fitness of the anionic and cationic moieties into the surface lattice sites, as corroborated by the nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy data. Lattice-matched primary-ammonium phospholipids enhance the structural and colloidal integrity of hybrid organic–inorganic lead halide perovskites (FAPbBr3 and MAPbBr3 (FA, formamidinium; MA, methylammonium)) and lead-free metal halide NCs. The molecular structure of the organic ligand tail governs the long-term colloidal stability and compatibility with solvents of diverse polarity, from hydrocarbons to acetone and alcohols. These NCs exhibit photoluminescence quantum yield of more than 96% in solution and solids and minimal photoluminescence intermittency at the single particle level with an average ON fraction as high as 94%, as well as bright and high-purity (about 95%) single-photon emission.

Toward well-defined colloidal particles: Efficient fractionation of lignin by a multi-solvent strategy

Colloidal lignin particles (CLPs) have sparked various intriguing insights toward bio-polymeric materials and triggered many lignin-featured innovative applications. Here, we report a multi-solvent sequential fractionation methodology integrating green solvents of acetone, 1-butanol, and ethanol to fractionate industrial lignin for CLPs fabrication. Through a rationally designed fractionation strategy, multigrade lignin fractions with variable hydroxyl group contents, molecular weights, and high purity were obtained without altering their original chemical structures. CLPs with well-defined morphology, narrow size distribution, excellent thermal stability, and long-term colloidal stability can be obtained by rational selection of lignin fractions. We further elucidated that trace elements (S, N) were reorganized onto the near-surface area of CLPs from lignin fractions during the formation process in the form of -SO42− and -NH2. This work provides a sustainable and efficient strategy for refining industrial lignin into high-quality fractions and an in-depth insight into the CLPs formation process, holding great promise for enriching the existing libraries of colloidal materials.

Effect of Peptides on the Synthesis, Properties and Wound Healing Capacity of Silver Nanoparticles.

The aim of this study is the synthesis of novel peptide-silver nanoparticle conjugates with enhanced wound healing capacity. Peptide-silver nanoparticle conjugates were synthesized using myristoyl tetrapeptide 6 (MT6) or copper tripeptide 1 (CuTP1). Peptide-free silver nanoparticles (AgNP) were synthesized using NaBH4 and sodium citrate and were used as control. The addition of the peptides during or after the synthesis of nanoparticles and its impact on the properties of the synthesized peptide-silver nanoparticle conjugates were assessed. The monitoring of the synthesis of nanoparticles was achieved using ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry (UV-/Vis). The characteristics and colloidal stability of the nanoparticles (size and ζ-potential distribution, morphology, composition and structure) were monitored using dynamic laser scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The wound healing capacity of the peptide-silver nanoparticle conjugates was assessed using scratch test assay on fibroblasts (NIH/3T3). The results indicated that the addition of the peptides during the synthesis of nanoparticles lead to better yield of the reaction and more effective capping while the size distribution and ζ-potential of the conjugates indicated long-term colloidal stability. The MT6-AgNP conjugate exhibited 71.97 ± 4.35% wound closure, which was about 5.48-fold higher (p < 0.05) than the corresponding free MT6. The CuTP1-AgNP conjugate exhibited 62.37 ± 18.33% wound closure that was better by 2.82 fold (p < 0.05) compared to the corresponding free CuTP1. Both peptides led to the synthesis of silver nanoparticle conjugates with enhanced wound healing capacity compared to the respective free peptide or to the peptide-free AgNP (29.53 ± 4.71% wound closure, p < 0.05). Our findings demonstrated that the synthetized peptide-silver nanoparticle conjugates are promising ingredients for wound care formulation.

SAT669 Development And Biophysical Characterization Of A Humanized FSH-blocking Monoclonal Antibody Therapeutic Formulated At An Ultra-high Concentration

Abstract Disclosure: S. Rojekar: None. A.R. Pallapati: None. J. Gimenez–Roig: None. D. Sant: None. S. Gera: None. F. Korkmaz: None. F. Sultana: None. O. Barak: None. O. Moldavski: None. U. Cheliadinova: None. A. Gumerova: None. S. Miyashita: None. H.S. Kannangara: None. T. Frolinger: None. R. Witztum: None. A. Macdonald: None. P. Georgii: None. S.L. Sims: None. J.N. Caminis: None. M. Meseck: None. V. Ryu: None. S. Kim: None. D. Lizneva: None. T. Yuen: None. M. Zaidi: None. Highly concentrated antibody formulations are oftentimes required for subcutaneous, self-administered biologics. Here, we report the creation of a unique formulation for our first-in-class FSH-blocking humanized antibody, MS-Hu6, which we propose to move to the clinic for osteoporosis, obesity, and Alzheimer’s disease. The studies were carried out using our Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) platform, compliant with the Code of Federal Regulations (Title 21, Part 58). We first used protein thermal shift, size exclusion chromatography, and dynamic light scattering to examine MS-Hu6 concentrations between 1 and 100 mg/mL. We found that thermal, monomeric, and colloidal stability of formulated MS-Hu6 was maintained at a concentration of 100 mg/mL. The addition of the antioxidant L-methionine and chelating agent disodium EDTA improved the formulation's long-term colloidal and thermal stability. Thermal stability was further confirmed by Nano differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Physiochemical properties of formulated MS-Hu6, including viscosity, turbidity, and clarity, conformed with acceptable industry standards. That the structural integrity of MS-Hu6 in formulation was maintained was proven through Circular Dichroism (CD) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Three rapid freeze-thaw cycles at −80°C/25°C or −80°C/37°C further revealed excellent thermal and colloidal stability. Furthermore, formulated MS-Hu6, particularly its Fab domain, displayed thermal and monomeric storage stability for more than 90 days at 4°C and 25°C. Finally, the unfolding temperature (Tm) for formulated MS-Hu6 increased by &amp;gt;4.80°C upon binding to recombinant FSH, indicating highly specific ligand binding. Overall, we document the feasibility of developing a stable, manufacturable and transportable MS-Hu6 formulation at a ultra-high concentration at industry standards. The study should become a resource for developing biologic formulations in academic medical centers. Presentation: Saturday, June 17, 2023

Guanine Functionalization for Improved ssDNA-Nanotube Colloidal Stability

Single-stranded DNA wrapped carbon nanotubes (ssDNA-CNT) have emerged as a promising technology for the sensitive detection of analytes in live cell and in vivo imaging applications. ssDNA wrapping permits the dispersion of individual nanotubes, biocompatibility, cellular uptake, and acts as a molecular mask conferring specific molecular interactions with analytes of interest. However, due to the non-covalent nature of ssDNA-CNT interactions, the polymeric coating can be stripped after introduction to biofluids, causing nanotube aggregation. This results in the fluorescent quenching of nanotube response and limits the ability to probe longitudinal changes in analyte levels. To address this experimental limitation, we evaluate the effect of rose Bengal-mediated guanine functionalization on long-term colloidal stability and functionality of ssDNA-CNT-based sensors in biofluids.

Large-scale production of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles by flame spray pyrolysis: In vitro biological evaluation for biomedical applications

Despite the large number of synthesis methodologies described for superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs), the search for their large-scale production for their widespread use in biomedical applications remains a mayor challenge. Flame Spray Pyrolysis (FSP) could be the solution to solve this limitation, since it allows the fabrication of metal oxide nanoparticles with high production yield and low manufacture costs. However, to our knowledge, to date such fabrication method has not been upgraded for biomedical purposes. Herein, SPIONs have been fabricated by FSP and their surface has been treated to be subsequently coated with dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) to enhance their colloidal stability in aqueous media. The final material presents high quality in terms of nanoparticle size, homogeneous size distribution, long-term colloidal stability and magnetic properties. A thorough in vitro validation has been performed with peripheral blood cells and mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs). Specifically, hemocompatibility studies show that these functionalized FSP-SPIONs-DMSA nanoparticles do not cause platelet aggregation or impair basal monocyte function. Moreover, in vitro biocompatibility assays show a dose-dependent cellular uptake while maintaining high cell viability values and cell cycle progression without causing cellular oxidative stress. Taken together, the results suggest that the FSP-SPIONs-DMSA optimized in this work could be a worthy alternative with the benefit of a large-scale production aimed at industrialization for biomedical applications.

Development and biophysical characterization of a humanized FSH-blocking monoclonal antibody therapeutic formulated at an ultra-high concentration.

Highly concentrated antibody formulations are oftentimes required for subcutaneous, self-administered biologics. Here, we report the development of a unique formulation for our first-in-class FSH-blocking humanized antibody, MS-Hu6, which we propose to move to the clinic for osteoporosis, obesity, and Alzheimer's disease. The studies were carried out using our Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) platform, compliant with the Code of Federal Regulations (Title 21, Part 58). We first used protein thermal shift, size exclusion chromatography, and dynamic light scattering to examine MS-Hu6 concentrations between 1 and 100 mg/mL. We found that thermal, monomeric, and colloidal stability of formulated MS-Hu6 was maintained at a concentration of 100 mg/mL. The addition of the antioxidant L-methionine and chelating agent disodium EDTA improved the formulation's long-term colloidal and thermal stability. Thermal stability was further confirmed by Nano differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Physiochemical properties of formulated MS-Hu6, including viscosity, turbidity, and clarity, conformed with acceptable industry standards. That the structural integrity of MS-Hu6 in formulation was maintained was proven through Circular Dichroism (CD) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Three rapid freeze-thaw cycles at -80°C/25°C or -80°C/37°C further revealed excellent thermal and colloidal stability. Furthermore, formulated MS-Hu6, particularly its Fab domain, displayed thermal and monomeric storage stability for more than 90 days at 4°C and 25°C. Finally, the unfolding temperature (Tm) for formulated MS-Hu6 increased by >4.80°C upon binding to recombinant FSH, indicating highly specific ligand binding. Overall, we document the feasibility of developing a stable, manufacturable and transportable MS-Hu6 formulation at a ultra-high concentration at industry standards. The study should become a resource for developing biologic formulations in academic medical centers.

Stable gold nanoflowers modified by zwitterionic sulfhydryl sulfobetaine for enhanced antitumor efficiency

Gold nanoflowers are flower-like gold nanoparticles with high photothermal conversion efficiency. Unfortunately, many gold nanoflowers have complicated synthesis methods using toxicity molecules and lack colloidal stability. In this work, in order to improve the long-term colloidal stability of existing gold nanoflowers, sulfhydryl sulfobetaine (SB-SH) was modified on the surface of gold nanoflowers by S-Au bonds to produce SB-SH stabilized gold nanoflowers (SB-SH@AuNFs). SB-SH@AuNFs did not generate any precipitation within 24 h and had a high photothermal conversion efficiency at 38.9%. In addition, the relative cell viability of A549 cells was only 11% with 0.193 mM SB-SH@AuNFs under laser irradiation. More importantly, SB-SH@AuNFs had the best antitumor effect in vivo under 808 nm laser irradiation. Thus, stable SB-SH@AuNFs with high photothermal conversion efficient were synthesized by using zwitterionic molecules. The modification of gold nanoflowers using zwitterionic molecules here is a new method to improve the antitumor efficiency of noble metal photothermal agents.

Polyethylenimine-CO2 adduct templated CaCO3 nanoparticles as anticancer drug carrier

BackgroundDue to their porous structure and capability to degrade under acidic conditions, CaCO3 nanoparticles in vaterite form can be used as carriers to effectively deliver drugs to low-pH sites such as tumors. The usually used intravenous administration requires long-term vaterite phase and colloidal stability for storage and blood circulation. While passive accumulation in tumors can be achieved via the enhanced permeation and retention effect, active accumulation requires reactive groups on vaterite nanoparticles to conjugate targeting molecules. Both requirements are hard to achieve in one simple and economical vaterite formulation. Herein, we used polyethylenimine (PEI)-based CO2 adduct as both a CO2 source and a template for vaterite mineralization to generate PEI-CO2@CaCO3 colloidal particles, with reactive amino groups from the PEI template.ResultsThe obtained nanoparticles with a hydrodynamic diameter of 200–300 nm have a vaterite phase and colloidal stability in an aqueous solution for over 8 months. These nanoparticles could effectively load anticancer drug doxorubicin via coprecipitation and be surface-modified with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and folic acid for long-term blood circulation and tumor targeting purposes, respectively. After being endocytosed, the PEI-CO2 adduct accelerates the dissolution of drug-loaded nanoparticles to generate CO2 bubbles to break the lysosomes, leading to rapid doxorubicin delivery inside tumor cells. The degradation of PEI-CO2 in the CaCO3 nanoparticles could also release PEI and CO2 and may contribute to the disruption of normal cellular functions. As a result, the drug-loaded PEI-CO2@CaCO3 nanoparticles strongly suppressed tumor growth in mice with HeLa tumor xenografts.ConclusionsA new and effective vaterite drug carrier for anticancer therapy has been developed using PEI-CO2 adduct as both a CO2 source and vaterite template for CaCO3 mineralization. This delivery system illustrates an application of CO2 generation materials in drug delivery and has the potential for further development.

Size Control and Improved Aqueous Colloidal Stability of Surface-Functionalized ZnGa2O4:Cr3+ Bright Persistent Luminescent Nanoparticles

Near-infrared (NIR)-emitting ZnGa2O4:Cr3+ (ZGO) persistent luminescent nanoparticles (PLNPs) have recently attracted considerable attention for diverse optical applications. The widespread use and promising potential of ZGO material in different applications arise from its prolonged post-excitation emission (several minutes to hours) that eliminates the need for continuous in situ excitation and the possibility of its excitation in different spectral regions (X-rays and UV-vis). However, the lack of precise control over particle size/distribution and its poor water dispersibility and/or limited colloidal stability required for certain biological applications are the major bottlenecks that limit its practical applications. To address these fundamental limitations, herein, we have prepared oleic acid (OA)-stabilized ZGO PLNPs with controlled size (7-12 nm, depending on the type of alcohol used in synthesis) and monodispersity. A further increase in size (8-21 nm), with a concomitant increase in persistent luminescence, could be achieved using a seed-mediated approach, employing the as-prepared ZGO PLNPs from the first synthesis as the seed and growing layers of the same material by adding fresh precursors. To remove their surface oleate groups and make the nanoparticles hydrophilic, two surface modification strategies were evaluated: modification with only poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) as the hydrophilic capping agent and modification with either PAA or cysteamine (Cys) as the hydrophilic capping agent in conjunction with BF4- as the intermediate surface modifier. The latter surface modifications involving BF4- conferred long-term (60 days and longer) colloidal stability to the nanoparticles in aqueous media, which is related to their favorable ζ potential values. The proposed generalized strategy could be used to prepare different kinds of surface-functionalized PLNPs with control of size, hydrophilicity, and colloidal stability and enhanced/prolonged persistent luminescence for diverse potential applications.

Progression of Quantum Dots Confined Polymeric Systems for Sensorics.

The substantial fluorescence (FL) capabilities, exceptional photophysical qualities, and long-term colloidal stability of quantum dots (QDs) have aroused a lot of interest in recent years. QDs have strong and wide optical absorption, good chemical stability, quick transfer characteristics, and facile customization. Adding polymeric materials to QDs improves their effectiveness. QDs/polymer hybrids have implications in sensors, photonics, transistors, pharmaceutical transport, and other domains. There are a great number of review articles available online discussing the creation of CDs and their many uses. There are certain review papers that can be found online that describe the creation of composites as well as their many different uses. For QDs/polymer hybrids, the emission spectra were nearly equal to those of QDs, indicating that the optical characteristics of QDs were substantially preserved. They performed well as biochemical and biophysical detectors/sensors for a variety of targets because of their FL quenching efficacy. This article concludes by discussing the difficulties that still need to be overcome as well as the outlook for the future of QDs/polymer hybrids.

Polyethylenimine-CO2 adduct-stabilized vaterite hydrocolloidal particles

We explore CaCO3 mineralization via the addition of a Ca(OH)2 solution to branched polyethylenimine–CO2 (PEI-CO2) adduct solutions. The alkylammonium carbamate zwitterions (i.e., CO2-adducted linkages) in PEI-CO2 adducts can hydrolyze to release bicarbonate ions to form CaCO3in situ; meanwhile, the zwitterions themselves transform into the polyamine structure of polyethylenimine (PEI). The PEI-CO2 polymer serves as both the CO2 source and template for vaterite CaCO3 nucleation and growth. A relatively low dosage of the Ca(OH)2 solution (e.g., at 9.2–37% stoichiometry) preserves enough CO2-adducted linkages in the templating PEI-based chains, allowing them to firmly adsorb onto the growing vaterite nanocrystallites, providing long-term vaterite phase and colloidal stability. The high molecular weight of the used PEIs (e.g., 10 k–25 k Da) strengthens the adsorption as well. The mesoporous structure, the dissolution in a weakly acidic environment (pH 6.5), the low cytotoxicity, the ease of endocytosis, and the presence of reactive PEI amino groups all make the obtained vaterite nanoparticles a versatile candidate for effective and acid-responsive drug delivery. This work highlights the multifunctionality of PEI-CO2 adducts for CaCO3 mineralization, serving as a CO2 source and vaterite template and providing the vaterite phase and colloid stability, as well as reactivity for further modification.

Impact of Sterilization on the Colloidal Stability of Ligand-Free Gold Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications.

Sterilization is a major prerequisite for the utilization of nanoparticle colloids in biomedicine, a process well examined for particles derived from chemical synthesis although highly underexplored for electrostatically stabilized ligand-free gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Hence, in this work, we comprehensively examined and compared the physicochemical characteristics of laser-generated ligand-free colloidal AuNPs exposed to steam sterilization and sterile filtration as a function of particle size and mass concentration and obtained physicochemical insight into particle growth processes. These particles exhibit long-term colloidal stability (up to 3 months) derived from electrostatic stabilization without using any ligands or surfactants. We show that particle growth attributed to cluster-based ripening occurs in smaller AuNPs (∼5 nm) following autoclaving, while larger particles (∼10 and ∼30 nm) remain stable. Sterile filtration, as an alternative effective sterilizing approach, has no substantial impact on the colloidal stability of AuNPs, regardless of particle size, although a mass loss of 5-10% is observed. Finally, we evaluated the impact of the sterilization procedures on potential particle functionality in proton therapy, using the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as a readout. In particular, 5 nm AuNPs exhibit a significant loss in activity upon autoclaving, probably dedicated to specific surface area reduction and surface restructuring during particle growth. The filtered analog enhanced the ROS release by up to a factor of ∼2.0, at 30 ppm gold concentration. Our findings highlight the need for carefully adapting the sterilization procedure of ligand-free NPs to the desired biomedical application with special emphasis on particle size and concentration.

(Keynote) N-Heterocyclic Carbene-coated Gold Nanoparticles and Luminescent Quantum Dots

N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) have generated much interest for use as versatile metal-coordinating groups, since they were first synthesized by Arduengo and coworkers in 1991. NHC molecules can be considered as L-type ligands, because they share their non-bonding electron pairs with the σ-accepting orbital of transition metals, and this endows them with strong coordination interactions. NHC-appended molecules have recently been actively exploited as potentially effective ligands for the surface passivation of various colloidal nanomaterials.We investigate the coordination interactions between a few representative colloidal nanocrystals, including gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and luminescent quantum dots (QDs), and a NHC-based polymer ligand. The latter presents multiple NHC groups and several short poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) chains as solubilizing blocks. We find that our NHC-decorated ligands rapidly coordinate onto both sets of nanocrystals, which we attribute to their soft Lewis base nature. These ideally match the soft Lewis acid character of transition metal colloid surfaces, promoting strong coordination bonding through soft‐soft interaction. We combine NMR spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy supplemented with dynamic light scattering to characterize the nature of the binding interactions. Furthermore, the long-term stability of the NHC-stabilized nanocolloids have been tested after phase transfer to water, a highly challenging chemical venue for such groups, due to the moisture sensitive nature of NHC molecules. Data show that our NHC-polymer-stabilized AuNPs and QDs exhibit long-term colloidal stability in buffer media while preserving their optical and fluorescing properties, with no sign of degradation or aggregation build up for at least one year of storage. We will discuss the ligand design and synthesis, characterization of the polymer-stabilized nanocrystals under various conditions, with a particular focus on the beneficial effects of ligand multi-coordination interactions onto the nanocolloid surfaces.

The formation of silver nanoparticles in solutions of sodium salts of carboxymethyl starch

The possibility of obtaining a biodegradable bactericidal composition containing silver nanoparticles by the reduction of silver ions using sodium carboxymethyl starch and UV irradiation has been investigated in this work. It is shown that the degree increase of substitution of carboxymethyl groups in NaCMS leads to an intensity increase of absorption of the surface plasma resonance bands of AgNP and an intensification of the Ag+ reduction process to Ag0. The intensity of the emerging Ag peak shows a complete reduction of Ag+ to Ag0 and the effectiveness of CMS in stabilizing the resulting AgNP. The results obtained from the EDX spectrum, together with the results of the SEM images, are strong evidence for the formation of AgNP nanoparticles and indicate the long-term colloidal stability of the product. It is shown that the processed nanocomposite solution AgCMS hosiery and non-woven materials have high antibacterial activity.

Thermal performance of nanofluids based on tungsten disulphide nanosheets as heat transfer fluids in parabolic trough solar collectors

Nanofluids are considered as a new generation of heat transfer fluids since they exhibit thermophysical properties improvements compared with conventional heat transfer fluids. The high thermal conductivity of nanofluids and even the isobaric specific heat enhancements over conventional liquids make these colloidal suspensions very attractive in many research areas, including solar energy. In this work, nanofluids based on tungsten disulphide (WS 2 ) nanosheets have been prepared from the thermal oil currently used as heat transfer fluid in Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) plants. The high aspect ratio of WS 2 bidimensional nanostructures provides high long-term colloidal stability to the nanofluids and facilitates heat transport. Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and polyethylene glycol have been used as surfactants to improve the exfoliation process and enhance the colloidal stability of the nanomaterial dispersions. Some properties such as density and viscosity of the base fluid have not been significantly altered by the presence of WS 2 nanosheets in the base fluid. However, studies on the thermal properties of nanofluids have shown promising results with increases in thermal conductivity of up to 33% and heat transfer coefficient by 21% over the base fluid. Furthermore, it has been estimated that the overall efficiency of the CSP system could be improved by 31% by replacing the conventional thermal fluid with 2D-WS 2 -based nanofluids. • The efficiency of PTC solar collectors is increased by 31% by using WS 2 nanofluids. • Nanofluids improved the heat transfer coefficient of the base fluid by 21%. • Thermal conductivity was enhanced by 33% in WS 2 -based nanofluids. • WS 2 nanofluids favours the elimination of selective coatings on the absorber tube.