Gold nanoparticles: size matters and so does stability

Gold nanoparticles are promising materials for drug delivery because they are relatively stable and non-toxic, but they also have unique electronic and optical properties, which allow them to be monitored and controlled. Many of the useful properties of gold nanoparticles depend on their particle size. In drug delivery, for example, the particles must be small enough to be transported through the body’s vessels, and across certain cell membranes. Therefore, it is important to monitor particle size to ensure that the particles will be effective in their application. Particle stability is also an issue: under some conditions, gold nanoparticles can form aggregates, which will lead to a much greater effective particle size, and a possible loss of effectiveness. Thus, monitoring colloidal stability is also important for many applications.

Gold nanoparticle size and stability can be measured easily and accurately, even in highly dilute or less stable colloids.  Download the Application report from Anton Paar to see how.