Nanoparticle Surface Interactions Research Articles

Doxorubicin Conjugated γ-Globulin Functionalised Gold Nanoparticles: A pH-Responsive Bioinspired Nanoconjugate Approach for Advanced Chemotherapeutics.

Developing successful nanomedicine hinges on regulating nanoparticle surface interactions within biological systems, particularly in intravenous nanotherapeutics. We harnessed the surface interactions of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with serum proteins, incorporating a γ-globulin (γG) hard surface corona and chemically conjugating Doxorubicin to create an innovative hybrid anticancer nanobioconjugate, Dox-γG-AuNPs. γG (with an isoelectric point of ~7.2) enhances cellular uptake and exhibits pH-sensitive behaviour, favouring targeted cancer cell drug delivery. In cell line studies, Dox-γG-AuNPs demonstrated a 10-fold higher cytotoxic potency compared to equivalent doxorubicin concentrations, with drug release favoured at pH 5.5 due to the γ-globulin corona's inherent pH sensitivity. This bioinspired approach presents a novel strategy for designing hybrid anticancer therapeutics. Our study also explored the intricacies of the p53-mediated ROS pathway's role in regulating cell fate, including apoptosis and necrosis, in response to these treatments. The pathway's delicate balance of ROS emerged as a critical determinant, warranting further investigation to elucidate its mechanisms and implications. Overall, leveraging the robust γ-globulin protein corona on AuNPs enhances biostability in harsh serum conditions, augments anticancer potential within pH-sensitive environments, and opens promising avenues for bioinspired drug delivery and the design of novel anticancer hybrids with precise targeting capabilities.

Differences in the Cell Type-Specific Toxicity of Diamond Nanoparticles to Endothelial Cells Depending on the Exposure of the Cells to Nanoparticles.

Diamond nanoparticles are considered to be one of the most cytocompatible carbon nanomaterials; however, their toxicity varies significantly depending on the analysed cell types. The aim was to investigate the specific sensitivity of endothelial cells to diamond nanoparticles dependent on exposure to nanoparticles. Diamond nanoparticles were characterized with Raman spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Toxicity of diamond nanoparticles was assessed for endothelial cells (HUVEC), human mammary epithelial cells (HMEC) and HS-5 cell line. The effect of diamond nanoparticles on the level of ROS, NO, NADPH and protein synthesis of angiogenesis-related proteins of endothelial cells was evaluated. Our studies demonstrated severe cell type-specific toxicity of diamond nanoparticles to endothelial cells (HUVEC) depending on nanoparticle surface interaction with cells. Furthermore, we have assessed the effect on cytotoxicity of the bioconjugation of nanoparticles with a peptide containing the RGD motive and a serum protein corona. Our study suggests that the mechanical interaction of diamond nanoparticles with the endothelial cell membranes and the endocytosis of nanoparticles lead to the depletion of NADPH, resulting in an intensive synthesis of ROS and a decrease in the availability of NO. This leads to severe endothelial toxicity and a change in the protein profile, with changes in major angiogenesis-related proteins, including VEGF, bFGF, ANPT2/TIE-2, and MMP, and the production of stress-related proteins, such as IL-6 and IL-8. We confirmed the presence of a relationship between the toxicity of diamond nanoparticles and the level of cell exposure to nanoparticles and the nanoparticle surface. The results of the study give new insights into the conditioned toxicity of nanomaterials and their use in biomedical applications.

The Protein Interactome of a Nanoparticle Population in Whole Cytoplasm under Near‐Native Conditions: A Pilot Study

AbstractThe surface interactions of nanoparticles (NPs) with proteins are intensively studied because they partly determine the biological fate of these reagents. The protein interaction trajectory of NPs delivered from complex biofluids into the cytosol of vertebrate cells however remains poorly characterized. This topology is explored using isolated whole cytoplasm and carboxylated superparamagnetic iron oxide NPs (SPIONs). SPIONs are introduced into the cytoplasm in naked form or with an adsorbed cargo of serum proteins as an example of a complex NP “corona.” By filtering interactome datasets with information about protein localization and absolute cytosolic concentration, the soluble cytoplasmic proteins that contribute to corona formation in the cytoplasm are identified. These include a subset of glycolytic enzymes and proteins in soluble ribosomes. In the cytoplasm, the proteins of the serum corona are quickly removed from SPIONs by a non‐proteolytic mechanism. Although naked SPIONs and SPIONs with a serum corona capture the same 65 cytosolic proteins, their overall interaction trajectory in the cytoplasm is not identical. In particular, they diverge in engagement with macroscale cell parts such as mitochondria. This knowledge of the interaction landscape of NPs in the cytoplasm is expected to support hypothesis development in projects aimed at improving NP reagents for biomedical applications.

Outstretching population growth theory towards surface contamination

Nanoparticle surface interaction is a common phenomenon, even if a general explanation of nanoparticle deposit growth is still unknown. For several applications, the adhesion of such nanoparticles is detrimental, generating safety and performance issues. The present work shows an interpretation of deposit growth due to nanoparticle deposition, capable of predicting particle adhesion and layer accretion. The nanoparticle deposits grow analogously to a typical autonomous population settlement in a virgin area following statistical rule, which includes the initial growth, the successive stable condition (development), and catastrophic events able to destroy the deposited layer. This statistical population model allows the generalization of the nanoparticle adhesion/deposition behavior, and it could be used for improving the prediction capability of nanoparticle deposition to common engineering applications.

Cool, Dry, Nano-scale DIC Patterning of Delicate, Heterogeneous, Non-planar Specimens by Micro-mist Nebulization

Background: Application of patterns to enable high-resolution Digital Image Correlation (DIC) at the small scale (μm/nm) is known to be very challenging as techniques developed for the macro- and mesoscale, such as spray painting, cannot be scaled down directly. Moreover, existing nano-patterning techniques all rely on harsh processing steps, based on high temperature, chemicals, physical contact, liquids, and/or high vacuum, that can easily damage fragile, small-scale, free-standing and/or hygro-sensitive specimens, such as MEMS or biological samples. Objective: To present a straightforward, inexpensive technique specially designed for nano-patterning highly delicate specimens for high-resolution DIC. Methods: The technique consists in a well-controlled nebulized micro-mist, containing predominantly no more than one nanoparticle per mist droplet. The micro-mist is subsequently dried, resulting in a flow of individual nanoparticles that are deposited on the specimen surface at near-room temperature. By having single nanoparticles falling on the specimen surface, the notoriously challenging task of controlling nanoparticle-nanoparticle and nanoparticle-surface interactions as a result of the complex droplet drying dynamics, e.g., in drop-casting, is circumvented. Results: High-quality patterns are demonstrated for a number of challenging cases of physically and chemically sensitive specimens with nanoparticles from 1 μm down to 50 nm in diameter. It is shown that the pattern can easily be scaled within (and probably beyond) this range, which is of special interest for micromechanical testing using in-situ microscopic imaging techniques, such as high-magnification optical microscopy, optical profilometry, atomic force microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy, etc. Conclusions: Delicate specimens can conveniently be patterned at near-room temperature (sim 37 ∘C), without exposure to chemicals, physical contact or vacuum, while the pattern density and speckle size can be easily tuned.

Theoretical Study of the Optimal Design of a UV-Controllable Smart Surface Decorated by a Hybrid Azobenzene-Containing Polymer Layer.

Although grafting polymers onto surfaces is widely suggested for designing smart systems, optimizing the performance of such systems is not simple. In this article, we investigate an azo-polymer-based smart surface using the single-chain-in-mean-field theory. Through the numerical simulations, we study the adhesion/erasion transition of the system and show that the performance of the smart surface can be characterized by the difference between the effective nanoparticle-surface interactions in the UV-on and UV-off states. Further exploring the optimization of the smart surface, we find that the distribution function of the receptor can have typical bimodal characteristics, which is crucial for optimizing the position of the azo-bond along the azo-polymer,f. Moreover, the presence of the homopolymer is also essential for the optimal performance of the smart surface, and we build a reference map for the good combinations of f and the homopolymer design fhomo.

Single-Particle Investigation of Environmental Redox Processes of Arsenic on Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles by Collision Electrochemistry.

Quantification of chemical reactions of nanoparticles (NPs) and their interaction with contaminants is a fundamental need to the understanding of chemical reactivity and surface chemistry of NPs released into the environment. Herein, we propose a novel strategy employing single-particle electrochemistry showing that it is possible to measure reactivity, speciation, and loading of As3+ on individual NPs, using cerium oxide (CeO2) as a model system. We demonstrate that redox reactions and adsorption processes can be electrochemically quantified with high sensitivity via the oxidation of As3+ to As5+ at 0.8 V versus Ag/AgCl or the reduction of As3+ to As0 at -0.3 V (vs Ag/AgCl) generated by collisions of single particles at an ultramicroelectrode. Using collision electrochemistry, As3+ concentrations were determined in basic conditions showing a maximum adsorption capacity at pH 8. In acidic environments (pH < 4), a small fraction of As3+ was oxidized to As5+ by surface Ce4+ and further adsorbed onto the CeO2 surface as a As5+ bidentate complex. The frequency of current spikes (oxidative or reductive) was proportional to the concentration of As3+ accumulated onto the NPs and was found to be representative of the As3+ concentration in solution. Given its sensitivity and speciation capability, the method can find many applications in the analytical, materials, and environmental chemistry fields where there is a need to quantify the reactivity and surface interactions of NPs. This is the first study demonstrating the capability of single-particle collision electrochemistry to monitor the interaction of heavy metal ions with metal oxide NPs. This knowledge is critical to the fundamental understanding of the risks associated with the release of NPs into the environment for their safe implementation and practical use.

Anti-corrosive surface effect of ascorbic acid caused on the ZnO nanoparticles — Experimental and theoretical investigations

In present work a problem related to nanoparticle surface interaction with environment was highlighted. Electrochemical measurements and quantum-chemical calculations of an electron properties of the ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) and ZnO-NPs/ascorbic acid hybrid material were performed. An assessment of dissolution rate of the ZnO-NPs in Hank solution, simulating human body fluid, due to the phenomenon of corrosion was determined. A dramatic change of redox behaviour for the ZnO-NPs was observed with addition of ascorbic acid (AsA) into the solution. Total inhibition effect of the AsA on the ZnO-NPs surface in Hank solution was observed. The corrosion behaviour of the ZnO-NPs and their surface activity was also studied theoretically by computer modelling and quantum-chemical calculations. The performed computer simulations show that the electrons are transferred from AsA to nanoparticle. In consequence, the radicals from the ZnO-NP surface are suppressed. Was shown that information concerning redox properties of NPs lead to the assessment of the life-time of pure and surface treated nanostructures. This is an important step to prevent unwanted consequences caused by NPs for human health, the environment, etc.

DNA-Directed Non-Langmuir Deposition of Programmable Atom Equivalents.

Particle assembly at interfaces via programmed DNA interactions allows for independent modification of both nanoparticle-surface interaction strength and the magnitude of interparticle repulsion. Together, these factors allow for modification of the deposited thin film morphology via alterations in DNA binding sequence. Importantly, both Langmuir and random sequential adsorption models yield insights into the thermodynamics of deposition but cannot fully explain particle coverage as a function of all relevant variables, indicating that the particle deposition mechanism for DNA-grafted colloids is more complex than prior adsorption phenomena. Here, it is shown that these deviations from standard behavior arise from the fact that each nanoparticle is attached to the surface via multiple weak DNA duplex interactions, enabling diffusion of adsorbed colloids across the substrate. Thus, surface migration of individual particles causes reorganization of the deposited monolayer, leading to the unusual behavior of coverage increasing at elevated temperatures that are just below the particle desorption temperature. The programmability of DNA-directed particle deposition therefore allows for precise control over the morphology of monolayer films, as well as the ability to generate crystalline materials with controllable surface roughness and grain size through layer-by-layer growth. The increased control over thin film morphology potentially enables tailoring of mechanical and optical properties and holds promise for use in a variety of applications.

Cytotoxic effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles on cyanobacterium Spirulina (Arthrospira) platensis.

BackgroundThe extensive usage of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) in industrial and consumer products raises the risk of releasing their residues into the aquatic environment. The presence of ZnO NPs in the aquatic environment could potentially cause cytotoxic effects on aquatic organisms. Thus, investigating the cytotoxic effects of ZnO NPs on microalgae, which form the base for the food web of aquatic biota, is essential to gain information regarding the ecotoxicological effects of metallic oxide nanoparticles in the aquatic ecosystem. Therefore, the present study has investigated in detail the assorted cytotoxic effects of ZnO NPs on S. platensis using various concentrations of ZnO NPs (10–200 mg/L) from 6 to 96 h to explore the dose- and time-dependent cytotoxic effects.MethodsThe cytotoxic effects were all assessed through quantification of loss in cell viability, reduction in biomass and decrease in photosynthetic pigments such as chlorophyll-a, carotenoids and phycocyanin. The surface interactions of nanoparticles and the subsequent morphological alterations on algal cells were examined by optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The intracellular alterations of algal cells were studied using transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectrum was obtained to investigate the involvement of algal surface biomolecules in surface binding of ZnO NPs on algal cells.ResultsThe treatment of ZnO NPs on S. platensis exhibited a typical concentration- and time-dependent cytotoxicity. Results showed a significant (p < 0.05) cytotoxicity from 24 h onwards for all tested concentrations of ZnO NPs. The maximum cytotoxicity on algal cells was achieved at 96 h of exposure to ZnO NPs. In comparison with control, the algal cells that interacted with 200 mg/L of ZnO NPs for 96 h showed 87.3 ± 1% loss in cell viability, 76.1 ± 1.7% reduction in algal biomass, 92.5 ± 2.2%, 76.2 ± 2.2% and 74.1 ± 3.4% decrease in chlorophyll-a, carotenoids and phycocyanin contents respectively. Our study confirmed the cytotoxicity of ZnO NPs through the algal growth inhibition with 72 h EC10 and EC50 values of 1.29 and 31.56 mg/L, respectively. The microscopic examinations of the algal cells that interacted with ZnO NPs showed severe cell membrane and intracellular damage. The SEM EDX spectrum of ZnO NPs treated algal biomass evidenced the surface accumulation of zinc in the biomass. Finally, the FTIR spectrum confirmed the involvement of amino, hydroxyl and carboxylic groups of algal cell wall in the surface interaction of ZnO NPs on the algal cells.DiscussionThe results showed that the treatment of ZnO NPs on S. platensis triggered substantial cytotoxicity and caused cell death. Hence, S. platensis could be potentially used as a bioindicator for testing toxicity of ZnO NPs in aquatic environment.

QCM-D and NanoTweezer measurements to characterize the effect of soil cellulase on the deposition of PEG-coated TiO2nanoparticles in model subsurface environments

Complementary QCM-D and NanoTweezer measurements are used to examine the impact of a ubiquitous soil enzyme on nanoparticle–surface interactions.

Using single nanoparticle tracking obtained by nanophotonic force microscopy to simultaneously characterize nanoparticle size distribution and nanoparticle-surface interactions.

Comprehensive characterization of nanomaterials for medical applications is a challenging and complex task due to the multitude of parameters which need to be taken into consideration in a broad range of conditions. Routine methods such as dynamic light scattering or nanoparticle tracking analysis provide some insight into the physicochemical properties of particle dispersions. For nanomedicine applications the information they supply can be of limited use. For this reason, there is a need for new methodologies and instruments that can provide additional data on nanoparticle properties such as their interactions with surfaces. Nanophotonic force microscopy has been shown as a viable method for measuring the force between surfaces and individual particles in the nano-size range. Here we outline a further application of this technique to measure the size of single particles and based on these measurement build the distribution of a sample. We demonstrate its efficacy by comparing the size distribution obtained with nanophotonic force microscopy to established instruments, such as dynamic light scattering and differential centrifugal sedimentation. Our results were in good agreement to those observed with all other instruments. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the methodology developed in this work can be used to study complex particle mixtures and the surface alteration of materials. For all cases studied, we were able to obtain both the size and the interaction potential of the particles with a surface in a single measurement.

Thermal transport at a solid-nanofluid interface: from increase of thermal resistance towards a shift of rapid boiling.

We use molecular dynamics simulations to investigate interfacial thermal transport between an ethanol suspension containing gold atomic clusters and a gold surface, using both realistic and simplified molecular models of nanoparticles. The interfacial thermal conductance was determined via a thermal relaxation method for a variety of nanoparticle-nanoparticle and nanoparticle-surface interaction strengths. The Kapitza resistance is found to increase due to the presence of nanoparticles in the vicinity of the solid-liquid interface. The heat flow from the solid to the nanoparticles is separated from its counterpart from the solid to the liquid to discriminate their respective contribution to the total heat current. A per-vibrational-mode analysis highlights a shift of major heat carriers from low frequencies towards higher frequencies due to the coupling of the internal nanoparticle dynamics to the gold surface, in addition to stronger particle-surface interactions. Finally, we demonstrate that the increase of the Kapitza resistance significantly shifts the nanofluid/solid surface explosive boiling temperature to higher temperatures compared to pure ethanol.

Core–Shell Nanoplasmonic Sensing for Characterization of Biocorona Formation and Nanoparticle Surface Interactions

Surface properties of nanoparticles imposed by particle size, shape, and surface chemistry are key features that largely determine their environmental fate and effects on biological systems. Consequently, development of analytical tools to characterize surface properties of nanomaterials and their relation to toxicological properties must occur in parallel with applications. As a contribution to this quest, we present a nanoplasmonic sensing strategy that enables systematic in situ characterization of molecule–nanoparticle interactions under well-controlled conditions, in terms of both nanoparticle size and surface chemistry, with particular focus on the importance of surface faceting in crystalline nanoparticles. We assess the performance of our sensing strategy by presenting two case studies. (i) The first is protein corona formation on faceted Au core–SiO2 shell nanoparticles of different sizes, and thus different surface facet-to-edge ratios. Based on 2D and 3D models of the investigated structures, we find that for small particles the curved regions between adjacent facets dominate the response of the corona formation process, whereas the facets dominate the response in the large particle regime. (ii) The second is in situ functionalization of Au core–SiO2 shell nanoparticle surfaces, and analysis of the subsequent protein repellent behavior. Due to the versatility of the presented sensing strategy in studies of nanoparticle surface properties, including in situ surface modifications, and their interactions with (bio)molecules during corona formation, we foresee it to become a valuable tool in the areas of nanomedicine and nanotoxicology.

Assessing the Potential for Drug-Nanoparticle Surface Interactions To Improve Drug Penetration into the Skin.

There is continued debate as to how nanomaterials enhance the passive diffusion of drugs through the skin. This study examined if drug-nanoparticle surface interactions, which occurred during topical application, had the capability to enhance percutaneous penetration. Atomic force microscopy force adhesion measurements were used to demonstrate that a model drug, tetracaine, strongly adsorbed to the surface of a negatively charged carboxyl-modified polystyrene nanoparticle (NanoPSCOOH) through both its methyl and amine functionalities (up to a 6- and 16-fold greater adhesion force respectively compared with the CH3-CH3 control). These drug-particle adhesion forces were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) to values that were lower than the CH3-CH3 control measurements when tetracaine interacted with a silica nanoparticle (NanoSiO2). This reduction in adhesion was attributed to the lower surface charge of the NanoSiO2 (ca. -23 mV) compared to the NanoPSCOOH (ca. -40 mV), which diminished the electrostatic interactions between positive amine of tetracaine and the negative particle. Mixing NanoPSCOOH with tetracaine on the skin retarded percutaneous drug penetration compared to the control (tetracaine saturated solution without nanoparticles), but the NanoSiO2, which still adsorbed the tetracaine, produced a 3.6-fold enhancement in percutaneous penetration compared to the same control. These data demonstrated the capability of moderate nanoparticle surface interactions that occurred within the application vehicle to promote drug percutaneous penetration.

Understanding adsorption behavior of silica nanoparticles over a cellulose surface in an aqueous medium

The suspension and adsorption of silica nanoparticles on a cellulose surface, in an aqueous medium is investigated using Brownian dynamic simulations. The inter particle and particle–surface interactions are modeled within the framework of the DLVO theory. Our analysis predicts the accumulation of negatively charged nanoparticles near a negatively charged surface depending on the Debye screening length of the medium. A crossover from the suspension to the adsorption of negatively charged silica nanoparticles onto a negatively charged cellulose surface has been reported as the screening length (k−1) of the medium increases. The crossover is observed at k−1=100nm, due to the interplay between the nanoparticle–nanoparticle and the nanoparticle–surface interactions. The adsorption behavior of nanoparticles is explained using the potential of mean force analysis. The amount of nanoparticles adsorbed depends on their bulk volume fraction (ϕ) and the screening length of the medium. Further, the effects of electrical potentials of nanoparticle (ΨP) and surface (ΨS) on the adsorption are reported. The data suggests that the adsorption of nanoparticles increases either with increasing ΨP magnitude, or/and, with decreasing ΨS magnitude. The adsorbed particles form a disordered monolayer, and undergo subdiffusive motion. We have also observed a transition from the gas-like structure to the liquid-like structure of nanoparticles in the adsorbed monolayer as their bulk volume fraction increases.

Nanomaterials for the Treatment of Bacterial Biofilms.

Treatment of biofilm-associated infections is challenging, requiring the development of new therapeutic strategies. In this viewpoint, we discuss the use of nanoparticle-based systems as active therapeutic agents and as vehicles to transport drugs to the site of infection. These applications require understanding of the surface interactions of nanoparticles with bacteria/biofilms, an aspect that we likewise summarize.

Near-field Light Scattering Techniques for Measuring Nanoparticle-Surface Interaction Energies and Forces.

Nanoparticles are quickly becoming commonplace in many commercial and industrial products, ranging from cosmetics to pharmaceuticals to medical diagnostics. Predicting the stability of the engineered nanoparticles within these products a priori remains an important and difficult challenge. Here we describe our techniques for measuring the mechanical interactions between nanoparticles and surfaces using near-field light scattering. Particle-surface interfacial forces are measured by optically "pushing" a particle against a reference surface and observing its motion using scattered near-field light. Unlike atomic force microscopy, this technique is not limited by thermal noise, but instead takes advantage of it. The integrated waveguide and microfluidic architecture allow for high-throughput measurements of about 1000 particles per hour. We characterize the reproducibility of and experimental uncertainty in the measurements made using the NanoTweezer surface instrument. We report surface interaction studies on gold nanoparticles with 50 nm diameters, smaller than previously reported in the literature using similar techniques.

In situ measurement and simulation of nano-magnetite mobility in porous media subject to transient salinity.

Nanotechnologies have been proposed for a variety of environmental applications, including subsurface characterization, enhanced oil recovery, and in situ contaminant remediation. For such applications, quantitative predictive models will be of great utility for system design and implementation. Electrolyte chemistry, which can vary substantially within subsurface pore waters, has been shown to strongly influence nanoparticle aggregation and deposition in porous media. Thus, it is essential that mathematical models be capable of tracking changes in electrolyte chemistry and predicting its influence on nanoparticle mobility. In this work, a modified version of a multi-dimensional multispecies transport simulator (SEAWAT) was employed to model nanoparticle transport under transient electrolyte conditions. The modeling effort was supported by experimental measurements of paramagnetic magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticle, coated with polyacrylamide-methylpropane sulfonic acid - lauryl acrylate (nMag-PAMPS), mobility in columns packed with 40-50 mesh Ottawa sand. Column effluent analyses and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were used to quantify nanoparticle breakthrough and in situ aqueous phase concentrations, respectively. Experimental observations revealed that introduction of de-ionized water into the brine saturated column (80 g L(-1) NaCl + 20 g L(-1) CaCl2) promoted release and remobilization of deposited nanoparticles along a diagonal front, coincident with the variable density flow field. This behavior was accurately captured by the simulation results, which indicated that a two-site deposition-release model provided the best fit to experimental observations, suggesting that heterogeneous nanoparticle-surface interactions governed nanoparticle attachment. These findings illustrate the importance of accounting for both physical and chemical processes associated with changes in electrolyte chemistry when predicting nanoparticle transport behavior in subsurface formations.

Nanoparticle transport in saturated porous medium using magnetic resonance imaging

Transport study of nanoparticle (NP) through matrix flow dominated aquifer sand and soils have significant influence in natural systems. To quantify the transport behaviour, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to image the iron oxide based nanoparticle, Molday ION (carboxyl terminated) through saturated sandstone rock core. T2-weighted images were acquired and the changes in image intensity were calibrated to get a quantitative concentration profiles at various time intervals. These profiles were evaluated through CXTFIT transport model to estimate the transport parameters. These parameters are estimated at various points along the length of the column while classical breakthrough curve analysis cannot provide these details. NP–surface interactions were investigated using DLVO (Derjaguin–Landau–Verwey–Overbeek) theory. The dispersion coefficients (2.55–1.21×10−7m2/s) were found to be decrease with distance, deposition rate constant k (6.70–9.13×10−4(1/s)) and fast deposition rate constant kfast (4.32–8.79×10−2(1/s)) were found to be increase with distance. These parameter variations over length will have a scaling up impact in developing transport models for environmental remediation and risk assessment schemes.