Quantum dots and gold nanoparticles are frequently used to monitor cellular mechanisms in-vitro or in-vivo.   Usually, nanoparticle suspensions in a neutral buffer are injected in the cellular environment where they encounter a complex mixture of proteins that may, or  may not, cause irreversible aggregation, a phenomenon that greatly affects nanoparticle/cell interactions.  Asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation is a sensitive and mild analytical method enabling the separation of nanoparticles and aggregates and subsequent size measurement by  static and dynamic light scattering.  We will describe a comprehensive analysis of suspensions of quantum dots and gold nanoparticles in serum and provide direct evidence of the state of aggregation of nanoparticles in the cellular medium. This information is critically needed to understand the mechanisms of nanoparticle internalization in the cell.

Asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation: A powerful tool to track the aggregation of nanocrystals in biological media

244th National Meeting (2012)

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