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Two methods were employed to prepare hyperbranched polyamine ester (HPAE)/kaolinite (Ka) nanocomposites resulting in different morphologies. In the case of the in situ polymerization, diethanolamine is inserted as monomer between the Ka layers and polymerized with methyl acrylate to prepare HPAE/Ka–DEA nanocomposites. For the ex situ method, Ka is modified with dodecylamine and solution-blended with HPAE. The former method leads to an intercalated morphology where the latter approach results in an exfoliated structure, as proofed by SAXS and TEM. A complementary combination of methods like differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), broadband dielectric relaxation (BDS), and specific heat spectroscopy (SHS) was used to investigate both kinds of nanocomposites in detail. Above Tg, the dielectric spectra are dominated by the conductivity contribution while the segmental dynamics is retrieved by SHS. A comparison of the temperature dependencies reveals a decoupling of segmental dynamics and conductivity, which becomes weaker with decreasing fragility.
Nanocomposites based on polypropylene (PP) and organically modified ZnAl layered double hydroxides (ZnAl-LDH) were prepared by melt blending and investigated by a combination of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS and WAXS), and dielectric relaxation spectroscopy (DRS). An average number of stack size of LDH layers is calculated by analyzing the SAXS data which is close to that of pure organically modified ZnAl-LDH. Scanning microfocus SAXS investigations show that the ZnAl-LDH is homogeneously distributed in the PP matrix as stacks of 4–5 layers with an intercalated morphology. DSC and WAXS results show that the degree of crystallinity decreases linearly with the increasing content of LDH. The extrapolation of this dependence to zero estimates a limiting concentration of ca. 40% LDH where the crystallization of PP is completely suppressed by the nanofiller. The dielectric spectra of the nanocomposites show several relaxation processes which are discussed in detail. The intensity of the dynamic glass transition (β-relaxation) increases with the concentration of LDH. This is attributed to the increasing concentration of the exchanged anion dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS) which is adsorbed at the LDH layers. Therefore, a detailed analysis of the β-relaxation provides information about the structure and the molecular dynamics in the interfacial region between the LDH layers and the polypropylene matrix which is otherwise dielectrically invisible (low dipole moment). As a main result, it is found that the glass transition temperature in this interfacial region is by 30 K lower than that of pure polypropylene. This is accompanied by a drastic change of the fragility parameter deduced from the relaxation map.
Organically modified ZnAl Layered Double Hydroxides (ZnAl-LDH) was synthesized and melt blended with polyethylene to obtain nanocomposites. The resulting morphology was investigated by a combination of Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Small and Wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS and WAXS) and dielectric relaxation spectroscopy (DRS). The arrangement (intercalation) of polyethylene chains between LDH stacks was investigated employing SAXS. The homogeneity of the nanocomposites and average number of stack size (4–6 layers) were determined using scanning microfocus SAXS (BESSY II). DSC and WAXS results show that the degree of crystallinity decreases linearly with the increasing content of LDH. The extrapolation of this dependence to zero estimates a limiting concentration of ca. 45% LDH where the crystallization of PE is completely suppressed by the nanofiller. The dielectric spectra of the nanocomposites show several relaxation processes which are discussed in detail. The intensity of the dynamic glass transition (β-relaxation) increases with the concentration of LDH. This is attributed to the increasing concentration of the exchanged anion sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) which is adsorbed at the LDH layers. Therefore, a detailed analysis of the β-relaxation provides information about the structure and the molecular dynamics in the interfacial region between the LDH layers and the polyethylene matrix which is otherwise dielectrically invisible (low dipole moment).
Hyperbranched poly(amidoamine)/kaolinite nanocomposites: Structure and charge carrier dynamics
(2017)
An ex-situ approach was applied to prepare nanocomposites from hyperbranched poly(amidoamine) and modified kaolinite (Ka-DCA). The structure of the polymer and the corresponding nanocomposites was investigated by FTIR, DSC, SAXS and TEM. SAXS might suggest a partly exfoliated structure of the nanocomposites, which was supported by TEM. The molecular dynamics was studied by means of broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS). The dielectric spectra are dominated by a conductivity
contribution at higher temperatures for all samples investigated. The obtained results further indicated that DC conductivity is increased by 4 orders of magnitude with increasing concentration of Ka-DCA nanofiller. Further, a significant separation between the conductivity relaxation time and that of segmental dynamics was observed. The decoupling phenomenon and the conductivity mechanism were discussed in detail. This study provides insights about the influence of the nanofiller on the structure and the conductivity contribution of nanocomposites of hyperbranched polymers including the decoupling phenomenon and fragility.
Nanocomposites based on poly(ʟ-lactide) (PLA) and organically modified MgAl Layered Double Hydroxides (MgAl-LDH) were prepared by melt blending and investigated by a combination of Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Small- and Wide-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS, WAXS), and dielectric spectroscopy (BDS). Scanning microfocus SAXS investigations show that the MgAl-LDH is homogeneously distributed in the matrix as stacks of 6 layers and/or partly exfoliated layers. DSC and WAXS show that the degree of crystallinity decreases linearly with the content of LDH. The extrapolation of the dependencies (DSC and WAXS) to zero estimates a limiting concentration of LDH CCri of ca. 21 wt% where the crystallization of PLA is completely suppressed by the nanofiller. The dielectric behavior of neat PLA show two relaxation regions, a β-relaxation at low temperatures related to localized fluctuations and the α-relaxation at higher temperatures due to the dynamic glass transition. The dielectric spectra of the nanocomposites show several additional relaxation processes compared to neat PLA which are discussed in detail. For the nanocomposites around 260 K (ƒ = 1 kHz) an additional process is observed which intensity increases with increasing concentration of LDH. This process is mainly attributed to the exchanged dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) molecules which are adsorbed at the LDH layers and form a mixed phase with the polymer close to the layers and stacks. An analysis of this process provides information about the molecular dynamics in the interfacial region between the LDH layers and the PLA matrix which reveal glassy dynamics in this region. In the temperature range around 310 K (ƒ = 1 kHz) a further process is observed. Its relaxation rate has an unusual saddle-like temperature dependence. It was assigned to rotational fluctuations of water molecules in a nanoporous environment provided by the LDH filler. Above the glass transition temperature a further process is observed at temperatures above. It is related to Maxwell/Wagner/Sillars polarization due to the blocking of charges at the nanofiller.
Nanocomposites based on poly(L-lactide) (PLA) and organically modified Ni/Al layered double hydroxides (NiAl/LDHs) are prepared by melt blending and investigated by a combination of size exclusion chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), wide-angle X-ray scattering, and broadband dielectric spectroscopy. A detailed comparison to the behavior of the corresponding MgAl/LDH–PLA nanocomposites is made. SAXS investigations show that the morphology of the NiAl/LDH–PLA nanocomposites is more intercalated compared to the MgAl/LDH based PLA nanocomposite, which is more exfoliated. The DSC investigation gives a different dependence of the degree of crystallization on the concentration of LDH for NiAl/LDH–PLA than for MgAl/LDH–PLA nanocomposite system. These differences are discussed taking the differences of the morphologies of both systems into account. Broadband dielectric spectroscopy reveals information about the molecular dynamics where essential differences are observed for all relaxation processes taking place in both systems which were related to the different morphologies.
AbstractWe report on gold clusters with around 62 gold atoms and a diameter of 1.15±0.10 nm. Dispersions of the clusters are long‐term stable for two years at ambient conditions. The synthesis was performed by mixing tetrachloroauric acid (HAuCl4 ⋅ 3 H2O) with the ionic liquid 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium dicyanamide ([Emim][DCA]) at temperatures of 20 to 80 °C. Characterization was performed with small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS), UV‐Vis spectroscopy, and MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry. A three‐stage model is proposed for the formation of the clusters, in which cluster growth from gold nuclei takes place according to the Lifshitz‐Slyozov‐Wagner (LSW) model followed by oriented attachment to form colloidal stable clusters.
Even although quite a number of studies have been performed so far to demonstrate nanoparticle-specific effects of substances in living systems, clear evidence of these effects is still under debate. The present study was designed as a comparative proteomic analysis of human intestinal cells exposed to a commercial silver nanoparticle reference material and ions from AgNO3. A two-dimensional gel electrophoresis/MALDI mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomic analysis was conducted after 24-h incubation of differentiated Caco-2 cells with non-cytotoxic and low cytotoxic silver concentrations (2.5 and 25 µg ml−1 nanosilver, 0.5 and 5 µg ml−1 AgNO3). Out of an overall number of 316 protein spots differentially expressed at a fold change of ≥ 1.4 or ≤ −1.4 in all treatments, 169 proteins could be identified. In total, 231 spots were specifically deregulated in particle-treated groups compared with 41 spots, which were limited to AgNO3-treatments. Forty-four spots (14 %) were commonly deregulated by both types of treatment. A considerable fraction of the proteins differentially expressed after treatment with nanoparticles is related to protein folding, synthesis or modification of proteins as well as cellular assembly and organization. Overlays of networks obtained for particulate and ionic treatments showed matches, indicating common mechanisms of combined particle and ionic silver exposure and exclusive ionic silver treatment. However, proteomic responses of Caco-2 cells treated with higher concentrations of silver species also showed some differences, for example regarding proteins related to fatty acid and energy metabolism, suggesting an induction of also some different molecular mechanisms for particle exposure and ionic treatment.
Flexible electrochromic devices (ECDs) based on Fe(II)-metallo-supramolecular polyelectrolytes (Fe-MEPE) and vanadium oxide are studied in operando by means of x-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy. The ECDs are blue-purple in the colored state at 0.0 V and become light yellow when a voltage of 1.6 V is applied. The XAFS studies at the K-edge of Fe(II) reveals that the absorption edge is shifted toward higher energies by 1.8 eV in the transparent state. Comparison of two different ECDs and different charge cycles demonstrates the reversibility and repeatability of the process. We attribute the shift to a charge transfer and a change of oxidation state of the ions from Fe2+ to Fe3+. The transition is not accompanied by a noticeable structural change of the octahedral coordination geometry as confirmed by analysis of the extended x-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) data. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Considerations using silver nitrate as a reference for in vitro tests with silver nanoparticles
(2016)
Most in vitro tests regarding the cellular toxicology of nanoparticulate metals compare particle to associated metal ion exposure. However. it is also a fact. that for example silver ions are reduced by sugars or transformed to silver chloride by chloride salts which are abundant components of cell culture media. These reactions are likely to either complicate or even invalidate comparisons between effects of ions and particles. Here. we present a fast and quantitative method to determine particle formation and numbers in different cell culture media with non-destructive small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). Silver nitrate with a concentration of25 (.Jg Ag mL -I was dissolved for up to 24 h at 37 'C in Dulbeccos Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) with and without 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) and a solution ofO-glucose (4.5 (.Jg mL -1). respectively. Silver nanopartides were observed in all Solutions after 5 min. The cell culture media displayed a limited particle-growth. FBS showed an effect on the polydispersity of the generated particles but after 5 min the overall particle size was nearly equal in FBS and non FBS supplemented medium. Particles in D-glucose were precipitating after 10 min. Particulate silver concentration was between 3 and 4 (.Jg mL -1 in both cell culture media (CCM). These results should be taken into account when performing silver ion-toxicity experiments in relevant media.
Healable materials could play an important role in reducing the environmental footprint of our modern technological society through extending the life cycles of consumer products and constructions. Future technologies require smart materials with advanced properties including responsiveness to external stimuli and particularly the ability to autonomously repair inflicted damage. The introduction of reversible connections in the polymer architecture, either in a non-covalent fashion, such as in supramolecular polymers, or by using dynamic covalent chemistry. One facile approach involves the implementation of reversible polymer networks as they offer high mechanical strength and thermal properties that are readily modified by the nature of the connecting dynamic bonds and the crosslinking density. In this context, small-angle scattering allows a detailed insight into the network structure of self-healing polymers either in bulk materials or in form of hydrogels. Here we report on how small-angle scattering can contribute to reveal the network structure. A first example is the conditional repair by locally switching the thermal healing capability of dynamic covalent polymers with light.
Typical experimental SAXS curves of a photo- and thermal switchable polymer are shown. The scattering pattern show three characteristics. Region 1 is dominated by a forward scattering interpreted as resultant from large scale inhomogeneities of the bulk polymers (characterized by a first correlation length). The second scattering contribution can be interpreted as resultant from the network and is characterized by its entanglement distance. The mesh size of this network can be described by a second correlation length. Region 3 of the scattering pattern is dominated by a broad peak. Taking all effects into account, we approximate the total scattering as a sum of the three scattering contributions. In particular, the Debye-Büche function is used for I1 the Ornstein-Zernike function for the crosslinking contribution I2 and a Lorentzian peak function.
We discussed this simple and more sophisticated approaches for revealing network structures. Examples of studies from hydrogel networks are provided as important materials with polymeric networks in life science applications. Finally, the determination of mesh size distributions as a function of temperature, time and healing efficiency is discussed in detail.
In-situ SAXS techniques
(2018)
This project studies the orientation of nanoparticles under the influence of external stimuli such as electric fields, magnetic fields and ultra-sonic vibrations. A set of functional sample holders that fit inside the sample chamber of a state-of-the-art Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) machine, called the “Multi-scale Analyzer for Ultrafine Structures” (MAUS).
The MAUS has been custom engineered to serve as a miniaturized Synchrotron, thus enabling standard material to be characterized to a high standard. Our work is needed to detail the fine characterization of reference nano-particles, not only on the nano-scale, but also coupled with external agents.
A second aim of this project is to verify a few proof-of-concept designs for the alignment of nano-particles. Where the alignment of nano-particles In-Situ is intended to further develop 3D printing technologies, and SAXS is an ideal choice to study the alignment of an oriented ensemble.
For more information about the MAUS;
https://www.bam.de/Content/DE/Pressemitteilungen/2018/AnalyticalSciences/2018-01-31-mit-maus-an-die-spitze-der-nano-forschung.html
Characterization of (bio)macromolecules and polymeric materials with modern scattering methods
(2018)
The analysis of polymers, biopolymers and polymeric materials is of great interest in biomaterials science. Here small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS), static light scatterin (SLS) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) are described. Current efforts for digitalization of this methods are explaind with respect to modern data science in biomedical research.
Aluminum (Al) can be taken up from food, packaging, or the environment and thus reaches the human gastrointestinal tract. Its toxic potential after oral uptake is still discussed. The fate of different solid and ionic Al species during the passage through the digestive tract is the focus of this research, as well as the cellular effects caused by these different Al species. The present study combines the physicochemical processing of three recently studied Al species (metallic Al0, mineral Al2O3, and soluble AlCl3) in artificial digestion fluids with in vitro cell systems for the human intestinal barrier. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) methods were used to characterize the Al species in the artificial digestion fluids and in cell culture medium for proliferating and differentiated intestinal Caco-2 cells. Cytotoxicity testing and cellular impedance measurements were applied to address the effects of digested Al species on cell viability and cell proliferation. Microarray-based transcriptome analyses and quantitative real-time PCR were conducted to obtain a deeper insight into cellular mechanisms of action and generated indications for cellular oxidative stress and an influence on xenobiotic metabolism, connected with alterations in associated signaling pathways. These cellular responses, which were predominantly caused by formerly ionic Al species and only at very high concentrations, were not impacted by artificial digestion. A two-directional conversion of Al between ionic species and solid particles occurred throughout all segments of the gastrointestinal tract, as evidenced by the presence of nanoscaled particles. Nevertheless, this presence did not increase the toxicity of the respective Al species.
We report on ultrasmall zinc oxide single-crystalline nanoparticles of narrow size distribution and long-term colloidal stability. These oleate-stabilized nanoparticles were synthesized using microwave-assisted synthesis for 5 min, corresponding to a 99% decrease in synthesis time, when compared to the conventional synthesis method. It was observed that the average particle radius increases from 2.6 ± 0.1 to 3.8 ± 0.1 nm upon increasing synthesis temperature from 125 to 200 °C. This change also corresponded to observed changes in the optical band gap and the fluorescence energy of the particles, from 3.44 ± 0.01 to 3.36 ± 0.01 eV and from 2.20 ± 0.01 to 2.04 ± 0.01 eV, respectively. Small-angle X-ray scattering, dynamic light scattering, and UV–vis and fluorescence spectroscopy were employed for particle characterization. Debye–Scherrer analysis of the X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern reveals a linear increase of the crystallite size with synthesis temperature. The consideration of the convolution of a Lorentz function with a Gaussian function for data correction of the instrumental peak broadening has a considerable influence on the values for the crystallite size. Williamson–Hall XRD analyses in the form of the uniform deformation model, uniform stress deformation model, and uniform deformation energy density model revealed a substantial increase of strain, stress, and deformation energy density of the crystallites with decreasing size. Exponential and power law models were utilized for quantification of strain, stress, and deformation energy density.
Hydrogels with a hierarchical structure were prepared from a new highly water-soluble crosslinker N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-N,N′-bis(2-ethylmethacrylate)-propyl-1,3-diammonium dibromide and from the sulfobetaine monomer 2-(N-3-sulfopropyl-N,N-dimethyl ammonium)ethyl methacrylate. The free radical polymerization of the two compounds is rapid and yields near-transparent hydrogels with sizes up to 5 cm in diameter. Rheology shows a clear correlation between the monomer-to-crosslinker ratio and the storage and loss moduli of the hydrogels. Cryo-scanning electron microscopy, low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and small-angle X-ray scattering show that the gels have a hierarchical structure with features spanning the nanometer to the sub-millimeter scale. The NMR study is challenged by the marked inhomogeneity of the gels and the complex chemical structure of the sulfobetaine monomer. NMR spectroscopy shows how these complications can be addressed via a novel fitting approach that considers the mobility gradient along the side chain of methacrylate-based monomers.
The behaviour of microemulsion (ME) droplets in mesoporous systems is highly important for understanding the immobilisation of drugs or chemical formulations, cleaning processes or enhanced oil recovery. The loading of pores as well as the structural organisation of MEs within the pores is a relevant parameter, especially for immobilisation applications. For this reason, the uptake of microemulsions in cylindrical pores of SBA-15 was investigated via adsorption and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). Adsorption isotherms revealed an adsorption of the microemulsion droplets based on the adsorption of surfactant as a driving force. The adapted scattering model is based on the analysis of bare SBA-15 in full contrast conditions and employs microemulsions inside of SBA-15 measured at the silica contrast matching point. Accordingly, the structural arrangement of microemulsion droplets in the pores of SBA-15 was determined in good detail. Microemulsion droplets smaller than the pore size access the pores while retaining their spherical shape and become increasingly ordered for higher loading, where the droplets arrange in a dense packing of spherical droplets in a cylindrical pore. Interestingly, microemulsion droplets larger than the pore size can easily be incorporated, but become deformed upon entering and are present as elongated rod-like structures.
ZnO nanoparticles are found in different food and consumer products, and their toxicological effects are still under investigation. It is therefore important to understand their behavior in the gastrointestinal tract. Here, we used an in vitro model to assess the physicochemical fate of ZnO nanoparticles during the digestive process in artificial saliva, stomach juice, and intestinal juice. Atomic absorption spectrometry and small-angle X-ray scattering were employed to investigate two ZnO nanomaterials, one intensively characterized reference material and soluble ZnCl2 in a broad range of concentrations between 25 and 1000 μg/mL in the intestinal fluid. Because food components may influence the behavior of nanomaterials in the gastrointestinal tract, starch, milk powder, and olive oil were used to mimic carbohydrates, protein, and fat, respectively. Additionally, ion release of all Zn species was assessed in cell culture media and compared to artificial intestinal juice to investigate relevance of typical cell culture conditions in ZnO nanotoxicology. ZnCl2 as well as the ZnO species were present as particles in artificial saliva but were solubilized completely in the acidic stomach juice. Interestingly, in the intestinal fluid a concentration-independent de novo formation of particles in the nanoscale range was shown. This was the case for all particles as well as for ZnCl2, regardless of the concentration used. Neither of the food components affected the behavior of any Zn species. On the contrary, all Zn species showed a Zn-concentration-dependent ion release in common cell culture medium. This questions the suitability of cell culture studies to investigate the effect of ZnO nanoparticles on intestinal cells. Our results show that Zn-containing nanoparticles reach the intestine. This underlines the importance of determining the influence of the test environment on nanoparticle fate.
Nachruf auf Wilhelm Ruland
(2021)
Mit Prof. Dr. Wilhelm Ruland starb am 3. Februar 2021 einer der letzten großen Wissenschaftler, welche die Streutheorie nach dem Zweiten Weltkrieg vorangetrieben haben. Sein zentrales Thema war die Streuung an weicher Materie. Hier lieferte er bis ins hohe Alter grundlegende Beiträge, die den Stellenwert seines Leitspruchs demonstrieren: Nichts ist praktischer als eine gute Theorie.
A look inside nanoparticles
(2019)
Small-angle scattering is the method of choice when it comes to obtaining information about the interior of nanoparticles. The aim is to make nanotechnology safer. While the use of small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) is limited to a few instruments in the world, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) is widely accessible, with an upward trend. The example of core-shell particles shows how simple their analysis is with data from an Anton Paar laboratory system. Here, SAXS is a central tool for the development of new reference materials based on poly(methyl) acrylate-PVDF core-shell particles. The dimensions of the cores and shells can be precisely determined. A detailed analysis makes it possible to show that the cores contain fluorinated and nonfluorinated polymers, whereas the shell consist only of PVDF. This core-shell particles with a diameter around 40 nm show a significantly higher PVDF beta phase content than the PVDF homopolymer when using an emulsion polymerization technique. This finding is of importance with respect to applications in electroactive devices.
Particle size modality in bi-modal iron oxide suspensions was resolved by exploiting complex ac-susceptibility (ACS), small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and photon cross-correlation spectroscopy. To explain dynamic magnetic response of bi-modal suspensions, the Debye model was expanded to a linear superposition form allowing for the contribution of both particle fractions. This modified and adopted model is able to resolve the bi-modal particle size distributions. The SAXS curves of mono- and bi-modal suspensions were fitted well using a Monte Carlo simulation scheme, allowing the detection of bi-modal particle size distributions with high precision.
Because of the rising application of nanoparticles in food and food-related products, we investigated the influence of the digestion process on the toxicity and cellular uptake of silver nanoparticles for intestinal cells. The main food components – carbohydrates, proteins and fatty acids – were implemented in an in vitro digestion process to simulate realistic conditions. Digested and undigested silver nanoparticle suspensions were used for uptake studies in the well-established Caco-2 model. Small-angle X-ray scattering was used to estimate particle core size, size distribution and stability in cell culture medium. Particles proved to be stable and showed radii from 3.6 to 16.0 nm. Undigested particles and particles digested in the presence of food components were comparably taken up by Caco-2 cells, whereas the uptake of particles digested without food components was decreased by 60%. Overall, these findings suggest that in vivo ingested poly (acrylic acid)-coated silver nanoparticles may reach the intestine in a nanoscaled form even if enclosed in a food matrix. While appropriate for studies on the uptake into intestinal cells, the Caco-2 model might be less suited for translocation studies. Moreover, we show that nanoparticle digestion protocols lacking food components may lead to misinterpretation of uptake studies and inconclusive results.
Resovist® originally developed as a clinical liver contrast agent for Magnetic Resonance Imaging exhibits also an outstanding performance as a tracer in Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI). In order to study the physical mechanism of the high MPI performance of Resovist®, we applied asymmetric flow fieldflow fractionation (A4F) and static magnetic fractionation (SMF) to separate Resovist® into a set of fractions with defined size classes. As A4F based on an elution method separates MNP according to their hydrodynamic size, SMF fractionates a particle distribution by its magnetic moment. The obtained fractions of both separation techniques were then magnetically characterized by magnetorelaxometry measurements to extract the corresponding effective magnetic anisotropy and hydrodynamic size distribution parameters. Additionally, the MPI performance of each fraction was assessed using magnetic particle spectroscopy. With both separation techniques fractions (normalized to their iron amount) an MPI signal gain of a factor of two could be obtained, even though the distribution of effective anisotropy and hydrodynamic size were significantly different. Relating these findings to the results from magnetic characterization allows for a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of MPI performance of Resovist®. This knowledge may help to improve the design of novel MPI tracers and development of separation methods.
We report on the formation of polymer-stabilized superparamagnetic single-core and multi-core maghemite nanoparticles. The particle formation was carried out by coprecipitation of Fe(II) and Fe(III) sulfate in a continuous aqueous process using a micromixer system. Aggregates containing 50 primary particles with sizes of 2 nm were formed at a reaction temperature of 30 °C. These particles aggregated further with time and were not stable. In contrast, stable single-core particles with a diameter of 7 nm were formed at 80 °C as revealed by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) coupled in-line with the micromixer for particle characterization. X-ray diffraction and TEM confirmed the SAXS results. X-ray absorption near-edge structure spectroscopy (XANES) identified the iron oxide phase as maghemite.
The development of novel dendrimers containing oligospiroketal (OSK) rods as building blocks is described. The linkage between the core unit (CU), branching units (BU), and OSK rods relies on the CuAAC reaction between terminal alkynes and azides. Two different strategies of dendrimer synthesis were investigated and it was found that the convergent approach is clearly superior to the divergent one. SAXS measurements and MD simulations indicate that the obtained dendrimer features a globular structure with very low density. Obviously, the OSK rods stabilize a rather loose mass-fractal structure.
We studied the magnetic resonance imaging liver contrast agent Resovist by a variety of magnetic measurement techniques, in order to understand the physical mechanism of their high magnetic particle imaging (MPI) performance, wirh a focus on the size-dependent contributions of the MPI signal. To this end, we used asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation to separate Resovist into a set of fractions with defined hydrodynamic diameters. The individual fractions were magnetically characterized by static magnetization and magnetorelaxometry measurements to obtain the corresponding effective magnetic anisotropy and effective size distribution parameters. In addition, the MPI performance of each fraction was assessed by magnetic particle spectroscopy. We observed an MPI signal gain of about 100% with respect to their iron amount for the best fraction. Relating these finding to the results from magnetic characterization provides more insight into mechanisms of MPI performance of Resovist. This knowledge may help to improve the design of novel MPI tracers.
tNegatively charged ultrathin gold nanotriangles (AuNTs) were synthesized in a vesicular dioctyl sodiumsulfosuccinate (AOT)/phospholipid-based template phase. These “naked” AuNTs with localized surfaceplasmon resonances in the NIR region at about 1300 nm and special photothermal properties are ofparticular interest for imaging and hyperthermia of cancerous tissues. For these kinds of applicationsthe toxicity and the cellular uptake of the AuNTs is of outstanding importance. Therefore, this studyfocuses on the toxicity of “naked” AOT-stabilized AuNTs compared to polymer-coated AuNTs. Poly-meric coating consisted of non-modified hyperbranched poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI), maltose-modifiedpoly(ethyleneimine) (PEI-Mal) and heparin. The toxicological experiments were carried out with twodifferent cell lines (embryonic kidney carcinoma cell line HEK293T and NK-cell leukemia cell line YTS).This study revealed that the heparin-coating of AuNTs improved biocompatibility by a factor of 50 whencompared to naked AuNTs. Of note, the highest nontoxic concentration of the AuNTs coated with PEI andPEI-Mal is drastically decreased. Overall, this is mainly triggered by the different surface charges of poly-meric coatings. Therefore, AuNTs coated with heparin were selected to carry out uptake studies. Theirpromising high biocompatibility and cellular uptake may open future studies in the field of biomedicalapplications.
Negatively charged flat gold nanotriangles, formed in a vesicular template phase and separated by an AOT-micelle-based depletion flocculation, were reloaded by adding a cationic polyelectrolyte, that is, a hyperbranched polyethylenimine (PEI). Heating the system to 100 °C in the presence of a gold chloride solution, the reduction process leads to the formation of gold nanoparticles inside the polymer shell surrounding the nanoplatelets. The gold nanoparticle formation is investigated by UV−vis spectroscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering, and dynamic light scattering measurements in combination with transmission electron microscopy. Spontaneously formed gold clusters in the hyperbranched PEI shell with an absorption maximum at 350 nm grow on the surface of the nanotriangles as hemispherical particles with diameters of ∼6 nm. High-resolution micrographs show that the hemispherical gold particles are crystallized onto the {111} facets on the bottom and top of the platelet as well as on the edges without a grain boundary. Undulated gold nanoplatelet superstructures with special properties become available, which show a significantly modified performance in SERS-detected photocatalysis regarding both reactivity and enhancement factor.
An artificial digestion of silver nitrate is reported. It is shown that AgSCN nanoparticles emerge from ionic silver in saliva and remain present during the entire digestion process. The particles were characterized by infrared spectroscopy and small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS) regarding their composition and size distribution.
Core-shell nanoparticles are widespread in nature, industrial applications and nanotechnology research. Facile ways of modern synthesis will be discussed and possibilities to reveal their structures with small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). A recent review on using block copolymer templates as one of the most reliable routes for tuning size and shape of nanoparticles is provided by Li et al.1 Ferritin and apoferritin are archetypical examples for protein-based core-shell nanoparticles. Their structures are easily accessed by synchrotron SAXS2 but also with commercial instruments and allow fast performance tests.3 SASfit4 is a suitable program tool based on classical curve fitting and McSAS5 is a complementary program based on a Monte Carlo technique. Detailed refinements of SAXS data evaluation are on the way for better data analysis.6 A sub nanometer resolution is state-of-the-art for quantification of the size distribution of polyacrylic acid stabilized silver nanoparticles.3 Such particles are useful in catalysis.7 It was observed that the catalytic activity can be tuned easily by varying the shell material of the particles.
Surface self-assembly of spherical nanoparticles of sizes below 10 nm into hierarchical heterostructures is under arising development despite the inherent difficulties of obtaining complex ordering patterns on a larger scale. Due to template-mediated interactions between oil-dispersible superparamagnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and polyethylenimine-stabilized gold nanoparticles (Au(PEI)NPs) at the water–oil interface of microemulsions, complex nanostructured films can be formed. Characterization of the reverse microemulsion phase by UV–vis absorption revealed the formation of heteroclusters from Winsor type II phases (WPII) using Aerosol-OT (AOT) as the surfactant. SAXS measurements verify the mechanism of initial nanoparticle clustering in defined dimensions. XPS suggested an influence of AOT at the MNP surface. Further, cryo-SEM and TEM visualization demonstrated the elongation of the reverse microemulsions into cylindrical, wormlike structures, which subsequently build up larger nanoparticle superstructure arrangements. Such WPII phases are thus proven to be a new form of soft template, mediating the self-assembly of different nanoparticles in hierarchical network-like filaments over a substrate during solvent evaporation.
Today there are hundreds of products available containing silver in form of nanoparticles, so-called nanosilver. This situation and the foreseeable future growing market of nanosilver will supposedly cause an increased release of silver into the environment. In this way, silver can be also incorporated into the human body and accumulated in different organs, which can be toxic or at least an unknown risk to human health. For these reasons, it is important to constantly study materials containing silver nanoparticles, their production, application in products and technical processes, dissemination of silver nanoparticles in the environment, and effects on humans and nature. The state-of-the-art nanoparticle size and concentration characterization are illustrated in an extensive interlaboratory comparison. To guarantee the traceability of measurements and to secure the comparison of results of different analytical methods, reference materials (RM) and certified reference materials (CRM) are essential. As a case study, the objective of the presented project was to provide an aqueous suspension of silver nanoparticles as a reference material with a nominal diameter below 10 nm for application in the determination of the size and concentration of nanoparticles in an aqueous surrounding. Measurands are the particles’ diameter D, size distribution width σ, number density N, and concentration c. Target uncertainties, defined as one sigma of the measurand values, are 5% for D, 10% for σ, 20% for N, and 20% for c. The certification was carried out based on ISO 17867 and the relevant ISO-Guides to produce reference material. The process of using SAXS as a reliable method for testing homogeneity and short-term and long-term stability of the material is reported. The particle preparation is described in detail so that the user can carry out the steps of synthesis and characterization in his own laboratory if required. Optionally, one can also contact the author for the provision of the silver nanoparticles. Detailed information can be found elsewhere (BAM Certification Reports, BAM-N008 (2022)).
SI Files for "Towards automation of the polyol process for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles"
(2022)
The graphml file: reaction_graph_AgNP.graphml is included. It contains topological information (Fig. 1 in the main text) about the reaction setup and metadata with reaction condtions. It used by the Python API used to control the Chemputer.
SAXS reports. The complete report sheets generated by McSAS are included. They contain extended information characterising the size distributions and the fitting parameters.
NP3_I: saxs_report_NP3_I.pdf
NP3_II: saxs_report_NP3_II.pdf
NP3_III: saxs_report_NP3_III.pdf
NP3_IV: saxs_report_NP3_IV.pdf
NP5_I: saxs_report_NP5_I.pdf
NP5_II: saxs_report_NP5_II.pdf
NP5_III: saxs_report_NP5_III.pdf
Silica and silver nanoparticles are relevant materials for new applications in optics, medicine, and analytical chemistry. We have previously reported the synthesis of pH responsive, peptide-templated, chiral silver nanoparticles. The current report shows that peptide-stabilized nanoparticles can easily be coated with a silica shell by exploiting the ability of the peptide coating to hydrolyze silica precursors such as TEOS or TMOS. The resulting silica layer protects the nanoparticles from chemical etching, allows their inclusion in other materials, and renders them biocompatible. Using electron and atomic force microscopy, we show that the silica shell thickness and the particle aggregation can be controlled simply by the reaction time. Small-angle X ray scattering confirms the Ag/peptide@silica core–shell structure. UV–vis and circular dichroism spectroscopy prove the conservation of the silver nanoparticle chirality upon silicification. Biological tests show that the biocompatibility in simple bacterial systems is significantly improved once a silica layer is deposited on the silver particles.
The structure of nanoparticles typically differs
from its bulk counterpart. Predominantly, the structures of
gold nanoparticles have been under exceedingly intense
discussion since the discovery of their high catalytic
activity. We found an increasing bond length contraction
with decreasing particle size for citrate-stabilized gold
nanoparticles in aqueous solution as determined by in situ
extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy.
Particle sizes and size distributions were determined
by small-angle X-ray scattering. The analysis of the
obtained EXAFS spectra employing ab initio calculations
reveals that the Au–Au bond length undergoes a contraction
of 2 pm for nanoparticles with a radius of 2.9 nm. NIST
reference material RM 8011 gold nanoparticles with a
radius of 4.4 nm exhibit a smaller contraction of approximately
1 pm. Finally, gold atoms in RM 8013 particles
with a radius of 25.7 nm show distances of 288 pm—
identical to the distance in gold foil—and exhibits bulk-like
properties. The observed bond length contraction of gold
nanoparticles in solution is significantly smaller than
previously reported for gold nanoparticle deposited on
surfaces, which is up to 15 pm. This indicates that the
bond length contraction effect of 'free' and 'surfaceimmobilized'
nanoparticles differ fundamentally. Such
difference could be essential for the understanding of
nanoparticle-supported catalysis.
Cylindrical Micelles of alpha-Fluorocarbon-omega-Hydrocarbon End-Capped Poly(N-acylethylene imine)s
(2005)
Micelles of ABC block copolymers with varying degrees of polymerization of the B block (n) and constant lengths of the A and C blocks were investigated by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC), surface tension measurements, and isothermal titration calorimetry. The copolymers consisting of hydrophilic poly(N-acylethylene imine)s, end-capped with a hydrophobic fluorocarbon and a hydrocarbon block, are polymeric surfactants ( = 35 mN/m). They form cylindrical micelles with radii of 3.0 nm (n = 35), 3.8 nm (n = 57), and 4.0 nm (n = 72). Their lengths are about 20 nm. The micelles can be doped with 1,4-diiodoperfluorobutane for the polymers with n = 57 and 72 but not for n = 35. We assume that the doped micelles form distinct fluorocarbon domains, which are able to incorporate selectively the fluorocarbon dopant. The work presented here is a contribution to the development of multicompartment micelles.
In this study, we investigated galacturonic (GalAc)- and mannuronic (ManAc) acids as novel targeting ligands for receptor-mediated gene delivery. GalAc and ManAc were coupled to either polyethyleneimine (PEI) or PEIpolyethyleneglycol (PEG). Furthermore, lactobionic acid (LacAc), which comprises a GalAc-related carbohydrate ring, was coupled to each of the polymers through its open-chain gluconic acid moiety. The molar mass distributions of the polymers were characterized by analytical ultracentrifugation and size exclusion chromatography. PEI-conjugatepDNA complexes were transfected into HepG2-, HeLa-, and 16HBE14o--cells. Gene expression mediated by GalAc- and LacAc-functionalized PEI-conjugates was lower than for PEI. In contrast, gene expression mediated by ManAc-functionalized PEI-conjugates was up to three orders of magnitude higher than for the other tested PEI-conjugates, in particular for negatively charged gene vectors at low N/P ratios, independent of the cell line. Pre-incubation of cells with an excess of ManAc before transfection significantly inhibited transfection rates only for ManAc-functionalized PEI-conjugates. Coupling of methyl-α-D-mannuronic acid to PEI resulted in significantly lower transfection rates than for ManAc-PEI based complexes. Together with fluorescence microscopy images of fluorescein-labelled ManAc-functionalized dextrans and FACS analyses of cells, these results demonstrate that receptor-mediated endocytosis of ManAcPEI-conjugatepDNA complexes via ManAc-specific receptors was involved in gene transfer. In conclusion, ManAc-modification of PEI-polymers represents a novel strategy for receptor-mediated gene delivery which could be promising for in vivo application.
The radical polymerization of three monomers bearing nucleobases 1-(4-vinylbenzyl)thymine (VBT), 1-(4-vinylbenzyl)uracil (VBU) and 9-(4-vinylbenzyl)adenine (VBA) was investigated. The corresponding homopolymers could be prepared in high yields via conventional radical polymerization. However, the resulting polymers were found to be only soluble in a few polar solvents. On the other hand, copolymers of dodecyl methacrylate (DMA) with either VBT or VBA could be prepared via both free radical polymerization and atom transfer radical polymerization and could be dissolved in a large variety of organic solvents. Moreover, the formed complementary copolymers P(VBT-co-DMA) and P(VBA-co-DMA) were found to self-assemble in dilute solutions in dioxane or chloroform via base recognition, as evidenced by a significant hypochromicity effect in UV spectroscopy. Nevertheless, at higher concentrations in chloroform, both dynamic light scattering and optical microscopy indicate that P(VBT-co-DMA), P(VBA-co-DMA), or P(VBT-co-DMA)/P(VBA-co-DMA) mixtures spontaneously self-assemble into micron size spherical aggregates. 1H NMR and FTIR studies confirmed that the self-assembly process is driven in all cases via H-bond formation. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 4805-4818, 2005
The aim of this work was the synthesis of starch macroinitiators for cationic polymer grafted starches that: (i) are free of cationic homopolymer, and (ii) display a high degree of conversion of the cationic monomer. We show that this can be achieved by a free-radical polymerization reaction using the cationic monomer N-methacryloyloxyethyl-N,N-dimethyl-N-benzylammonium chloride (MADAM-BQ) and a new starch-based macroazoinitiator. For this purpose, the acid chloride of 4-tert-butylazo-4-cyanovaleric acid was synthesized and bound covalently to starch (predominantly in the C6 position) to form a nonsymmetrically substituted macroinitiator that was used to polymerize MADAM-BQ in aqueous media. Essentially no MADAM-BQ homopolymer was formed. The initiator decomposes thermally to starch radicals of high reactivity and low-molar mass radicals that do not initiate polymerization. The reason for the different reactivities of the radicals is presumably due to the nonsymmetric constitution of the starch-bound azo groups. The graft polymerization of MADAM-BQ in aqueous solution performs according to an ideal overall kinetic. The structure of the synthesized starch-graft-poly(MADAM-BQ) products is similar to that of block copolymers because of the low radical efficiency of the starch initiators in aqueous solution. Especially, starch substrates with a higher content of azo groups did not lead to graft products with shorter graft distances because the state of solution of these macroinitiators becomes worse and aggregation occurs with an increasing degree of substitution.
The new ligand 4´-(4´´´-pyridyl-N-oxide)-2,2´:6´,2´´-terpyridine (pyNoxterpy) and its homoleptic iron(II) complex have been synthesised, and structural and spectroscopic studies have been carried out. The obtained results have been compared with the reported data for the parent ligand 4´-(4´´´-pyridyl)-2,2´:6´,2´´-terpyridine (pyterpy) and its homoleptic iron(II) complex. Significant differences between the spectral and electrochemical properties of the metal complexes have been found, derived from the changes in the electronic properties of the coordinated ligands.
Solution Self-Assembly of Synthetic Copolymers bearing Complementary Nucleic Acid Funtionalities
(2005)
Superparamagnetic iron oxide particles (SPIO) of maghemite were prepared in aqueous solution and subsequently stabilized with polymers in two layer-by-layer deposition steps. The first layer around the maghemite core is formed by poly(ethylene imine) (PEI), and the second one is formed by poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly(glutamic acid) (PEO-PGA). The hydrodynamic diameter of the particles increases stepwise from Dh = 25 nm (parent) via 35 nm (PEI) to 46 nm (PEI plus PEO-PGA) due to stabilization. This is accompanied by a switching of their -potentials from moderately positive (+28 mV) to highly positive (+50 mV) and finally slightly negative (-3 mV). By contrast, the polydispersity indexes of the particles remain constant (ca. 0.15). Mössbauer spectroscopy revealed that the iron oxide, which forms the core of the particles, is only present as Fe(III) in the form of superparamagnetic maghemite nanocrystals. The magnetic domains and the maghemite crystallites were found to be identical with a size of 12.0 ± 0.5 nm. The coated maghemite nanoparticles were tested to be stable in water and in physiological salt solution for longer than 6 months. In contrast to novel methods for magnetic nanoparticle production, where organic solvents are necessary, the procedure proposed here can dispense with organic solvents. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) experiments on living rats indicate that the nanoparticles are useful as an MRI contrast agent.
We synthesized a symmetric linear ABCBA pentablock copolymer consisting of poly(ethylene oxide), poly(-benzyl L-glutamate), and a poly(perfluoro ether) (fluorolink). The different blocks are highly immiscible with each other and form two-compartment micelles of mainly cylindrical shape in aqueous solution with lengths in the range of 100 to 200 nm and diameters of about 24 nm. The poly(perfluoro ether) (C blocks) forms the liquidlike center of the micelles (d = 6 nm). This is surrounded by a first shell of ca. 2 nm thickness consisting of -sheets of poly(-benzyl L-glutamate) (B blocks) and a second 7 nm shell of poly(ethylene oxide) (A blocks). The A blocks provide water solubility, and the B and C blocks form separated hydrophobic compartments. This work is a contribution to the development of multicompartment micelles devoted to mimic transport proteins such as serum albumins in long-term development.
Self-assembly of Fe(II) and the ditopic ligand 1,4-bis(2,2':6',2"-terpyridine-4'-yl)benzene results in equilibrium structures in solutions, so-called metallosupramolecular coordination polyelectrolytes (MEPEs). It is exceedingly difficult to characterize such macromolecular assemblies, because of the dynamic nature. Therefore, hardly any structural information is available for this type of material. Here, we show that from dilute solutions, where small aggregates predominate, it is possible to grow nanoscopic crystals at an interface. A near atomic resolution structure of MEPE is obtained by investigating the nanoscopic crystals with electron diffraction in combination with molecular modeling. The analysis reveals a primitive monoclinic unit cell (P21/c space group, a = 10.4 Å, b = 10.7 Å, c = 34.0 Å, α = γ = 90°, β = 95°, ρ = 1.26 g/cm³, and Z = 4). The MEPE forms linear rods, which are organized into sheets. Four sheets intersect the unit cell, while adjacent sheets are rotated by 90° with respect to each other. The pseudooctahedral coordination geometry of the Fe(II) centers is confirmed by Mössbauer spectroscopy. The combination of diffraction and molecular modeling presented here may be of general utility to address problems in structural materials science.
Oral bioavailability of cyclosporine: Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN®) versus drug nanocrystals
(2006)
For the development of an optimized oral formulation for cyclosporine A, 2% of this drug has been formulated in solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN, mean size 157 nm) and as nanocrystals (mean size 962 nm). The encapsulation rate of SLN was found to be 96.1%. Nanocrystals are composed of 100% of drug. For the assessment of the pharmacokinetic parameters the developed formulations have been administered via oral route to three young pigs. Comparison studies with a commercial Sandimmun Neoral/Optoral® used as reference have been performed. The blood profiles observed after oral administration of the commercial microemulsion Sandimmun® revealed a fast absorption of drug leading to the observation of a plasma peak above 1000 ng/ml within the first 2 h. For drug nanocrystals most of the blood concentrations were in the range between 30 and 70 ng/ml over a period of 14 h. These values were very low, showing huge differences between the measuring time points and between the tested animals. On the contrary, administration of cyclosporine-loaded SLN led to a mean plasma profile with almost similarly low variations in comparison to the reference microemulsion, however with no initial blood peak as observed with the Sandimmun Neoral/Optoral®. Comparing the area under the curves (AUC) obtained with the tested animals it could be stated that the SLN formulation avoids side effects by lacking blood concentrations higher than 1000 ng/ml. In this study it has been proved that using SLN as a drug carrier for oral administration of cyclosporine A a low variation in bioavailability of the drug and simultaneously avoiding the plasma peak typical of the first Sandimmun® formulation can be achieved.
The self-organization of random copolymers composed of a nucleobase monomer (either 1-(4-vinylbenzyl)thymine or 9-(4-vinylbenzyl)adenine) and dodecyl methacrylate (DMA) was studied in dilute chloroform solutions. The balance between the molar fractions of the nucleobase monomer (leading to intermolecular H-bonding) and DMA (soluble moiety in chloroform) in the polymer chains was found to be the parameter that principally influences the self-organization. DMA-rich copolymers are molecularly soluble in chloroform, whereas nucleobase-rich copolymers are insoluble in this solvent. Copolymers possessing an equimolar comonomer composition self-assemble into micrometer-sized particles physically cross-linked by intermolecular H-bonds (either thymine-thymine or adenine-adenine interactions, depending on the studied copolymer). Nevertheless, when mixed together, thymine- and adenine-based colloids fuse into thermodynamically stable microspheres cross linked by adenine-thymine interactions.
We prepared crystals of di-n-alkyl esters of phosphoric acid with chain lengths of n = 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18. These were characterized by single-crystal X-ray analysis and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). It was found that the alkyl chains are in an extended all-trans conformation and aligned close to perpendicular, forming V-shaped molecules. This is in strong contrast to the typical arrangement of the alkyl chains of phospholipids where the two alkyl chains are arranged parallel in the same direction (e.g., tuning fork configuration in bilayers). Additionally, it was found that the arrangement of the V-shaped molecules of the di-n-alkyl esters in neighboring stacks of the lamellar crystals is antiparallel for short chain lengths (n = 10 and 12) and parallel for the longer (n = 14 and 16). DSC reveals that the melting of the crystals increases systematically with increasing chain lengths from 48 to 82 C. The contribution of each methylene group to the melting enthalpy (70-133 kJ/mol) is independent of the chain length (3.9 kJ per mol CH2).
For the investigation of small sample volumes, the use of an acoustic levitator was tested as a `sample holder' for hovering droplets in a synchrotron beam. It might be advantageous to use levitated droplets instead of samples confined in solid holders, especially for the study of crystallization processes where the influence of containing walls has to be minimized. In a first experiment, the crystallization of sodium chloride in a small droplet of aqueous solution has been followed with a time resolution of 30 s. The collected diffraction peaks are compared with data in the ICSD database.
A double hydrophilic block copolymer was synthesized by controlled free radical polymerization, namely by the RAFT method, from a poly(ethylene oxide) macromonomer and a cationic acrylate. Stoichiometric complexes with sodium decanoate and with sodium perfluorodecanoate were prepared by self-assembly. Both complexes are soluble in water forming core-shell nanoparticles with hydrodynamic radii of 54 and 22 nm, respectively, and neutral potentials. The complex containing decanoate decomposed upon dilution, while the complex with perfluorodecanoate is stable even against dialysis and in salt solution. Only the nanoparticles containing perfluorodecanoate show a strong contrast in small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). It is produced from their cores that have an elliptical shape (short axes = 8.5 nm, long axis = 23.3 nm) and a sharp density transition to the shell. The cores exhibit an internal lamellar structure with a long period of 3.65 nm consisting of fluorocarbon rich lamellae (d1 = 3.00 nm) and lamellae enriched in ionic groups (d2 = 0.65 nm). These fluorinated nanoparticles coexist in physiological buffer with human serum albumin and fibrinogen without inducing aggregation. Moreover, the content of -helix of these serum proteins increased when in solution with the fluorinated nanoparticles.
Targeting of gene vectors to liver hepatocytes could offer the opportunity to cure various acquired and inherited diseases. Efficient gene delivery to the liver parenchyma has been obscured from efficient targeting of hepatocytes. Here we show that the thyroid hormone, triiodothyronine (T3), can be used to improve the gene transfer efficiency of nonviral gene vectors to hepatocytes in vitro and to the liver of mice in vivo. T3 conjugated to the distal ends of fluorescent labeled PEG-g-dextran resulted in T3-specific cellular endosomal uptake into the hepatocellular cell line HepG2. PEG-g-PEI graft copolymers with increasing molar PEG-ratios were synthesized, complexed with plasmid DNA, and transfected into HepG2 or HeLa cells. Gene transfer efficiency decreased as the number of PEG blocks increased. T3 conjugation to PEI and the distal ends of PEG blocks resulted in T3 specific gene transfer in HepG2 cells as evidenced by reduction of gene transfer efficiency after pre-incubation of cells with excess of T3. In vivo application of T3-PEG-g-PEI based gene vectors in mice after tail vein injection resulted in a significantly 7-fold increase of gene expression in the liver compared with PEG-g-PEI based gene vectors.
Metallosupramolecular coordination polyelectrolytes (MEPEs) based on rigid and flexible ditopic bis-terpyridine ligands and Fe(II) ions are investigated by Mössbauer spectroscopy. We demonstrate the influence of mechanical stress induced by grinding on the structure of MEPE as well as the ability of MEPE to self-repair through recrystallisation.
Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) were produced loaded with cyclosporine A in order to develop an improved oral formulation. In this study, the particles were characterized with regard to the structure of the lipid particle matrix, being a determining factor for mode of drug incorporation and drug release. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) measurements were employed for the analysis of the polymorphic modifications and mode of drug incorporation. Particles were produced using Imwitor®900 as lipid matrix (the suspension consisted of 10% particles, 8% Imwitor®900, 2% cyclosporine A), 2.5% Tagat S, 0.5% sodium cholate and 87% water. DSC and WAXS were used to analyse bulk lipid, bulk drug, drug incorporated in the bulk and unloaded and drug-loaded SLN dispersions. The processing of the bulk lipid into nanoparticles was accompanied by a polymorphic transformation from the ß to the α-modification. After production, the drug-free SLN dispersions converted back to ß-modification, while the drug-loaded SLN stayed primarily in α-modification. After incorporation of cyclosporine A into SLN, the peptide lost its crystalline character. Based on WAXS data, it could be concluded that cyclosporine is molecularly dispersed in between the fatty acid chains of the liquid-crystalline α-modification fraction of the loaded SLN.
We report on the online coupling of asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (A4F) with small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) for the detection of nanoparticles. The A4F was used to fractionate superparamagnetic maghemite nanoparticles, which were prepared continuously with a micromixer. The outlet of the A4F was directly coupled to a flow capillary of a SAXSess instrument (Kratky type of camera). SAXS curves were recorded in a 1 s time interval. This was possible by using intense synchrotron radiation. The radii of gyration of the nanoparticles, as determined from Guinier plots, increased from 2 to 6 nm with increasing fractionation time of the A4F. A more detailed analysis of the scattering curves revealed that the particles were cylindrical in shape (nanorods), which we attributed to the micromixing preparation technique. The radii of the nanorods increased only slightly from 1.2 to 1.7 nm with increasing fractionation time, while the lengths increased strongly from 7.0 to 30.0 nm. The volume distribution of the nanorods was determined and described by Schultz-Zimm and log-normal distributions. Nanorod volumes increased from 45 to 263 nm³, corresponding to molar masses of 140 × 10³ to 820 × 10³ g mol-1. We propose A4F-SAXS coupling as a new method for analysis of nanoparticles of complex composition in solution. It allows precise online determination of the particles shape and size distributions. This method can be applied to mixtures of nanoparticles of arbitrary shapes and sizes (1-100 nm). Moreover, the total time needed for fractionation and online SAXS data recording is usually only 20 min.
Positively charged superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) particles of maghemite were prepared in aqueous solution and subsequently stabilized with poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly(glutamic acid) (PEOPGA) at a hydrodynamic diameter of 60 nm. Depending on the amount of PEOPGA used, this is accompanied by a switching of their zeta potentials from positive to negative charge (-33 mV). As a prerequisite for in vivo testing, the PEOPGA coated maghemite nanoparticles were evaluated to be colloidally stable in water and in physiological salt solution for longer than six months as well in various buffer systems under physiological pH and salt conditions (AFM, dynamic light scattering). We excluded toxic effects of the PEOPGA coated maghemite nanoparticles. We demonstrated by in vivo MR-imaging and 111In measurements a biodistribution of the nanoparticles into the liver comparable to carboxydextran coated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (Resovist®) as a reference nanoscaled MRI contrast medium. This was enforced by a detailed visualization of our nanoparticles by electron microscopy of liver tissue sections. Furthermore, our results indicate that 15% of the injected PEOPGA coated maghemite nanoparticles circulate in the blood compartment for at least 60 min after i.v. application.
Hydrophobically end-modified (HM) poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazolines) (PEtOx) and poly(2-isopropyl-2-oxazolines) (PiPrOx) bearing an n-octadecyl chain on both termini or on one chain end only were prepared by cationic ring-opening polymerization of 2-ethyl-2-oxazoline and 2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline, respectively, and subsequent end-group modification. The polymers had a molar mass (Mn) ranging from 7000 to 13000 g mol-1, a size distribution Mw/Mn < 1.20, and end-group functionality > 0.97. All polymers, except the semitelechelic sample C18-PiPrOx-OH 13K (Mn = 13000 g mol-1), formed core-shell micelles in cold water with a hydrodynamic radius (RH), measured by dynamic light scattering, between 7 and 12 nm and a core of radius (Rc), determined by analysis of small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) data, of ~1.3 nm. Aqueous solutions of all polymers underwent a heat-induced phase transition detected by an increase in solution turbidity at a temperature (Tcp, cloud point) ranging from 32 to 62 °C, depending on polymer structure and size. Temperature-dependent light scattering (LS) measurements and fluorescence depolarization studies with the probe diphenylhexatriene (DPH) revealed that extensive intermicellar bridging takes place in solutions heated in the vicinity of Tcp leading to large assemblies (RH ≥ 1 µm). Further heating caused these assemblies to shrink into objects with RH ~ 300-700 nm, depending on the size and structure of the polymer. The formation of H-bonds between water molecules and the main-chain amide nitrogen atoms imparts distinct features to the flower/star micelles formed by telechelic/semitelechelic PiPrOx and PEtOx, compared to the micelles formed by other hydrophobically end-modified water-soluble polymers, such as poly(ethylene oxide) or poly(N-isopropylacrylamide).
The dispersed iron oxide nanoparticles of ferrofluids in aqueous solution are difficult to characterize due to their protective polymer coatings. We report on the bimodal size distribution of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles found in the MRI contrast agent Resovist, which is a representative example of commercial nanoparticle-based pharmaceutical formulations. The radii of the majority of the nanoparticles (>99%) range from 4 to 13 nm (less than 1% of the particles display radii up to 21 nm). The maxima of the size distributions are at 5.0 and 9.9 nm. The analysis was performed with in situ characterization of Resovist via online coupling of asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (A4F) with small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) using a standard copper X-ray tube as a radiation source. The outlet of the A4F was directly coupled to a flow capillary on the SAXS instrument. SAXS curves of nanoparticle fractions were recorded at 1-min time intervals. We recommend using the A4F-SAXS coupling as a routine method for analysis of dispersed nanoparticles with sizes in the range of 1-100 nm. It allows a fast and quantitative comparison of different batches without the need for sample preparation.
The spherical gold nanoparticle reference materials RM 8011, RM 8012, and RM 8013, with a nominal radius of 5, 15, and 30 nm, respectively, have been available since 2008 from NIST. These materials are recommended as standards for nanoparticle size measurements and for the study of the biological effects of nanoparticles, e.g., in pre-clinical biomedical research. We report on determination of the size distributions of these gold nanoparticles using different small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) instruments. Measurements with a classical Kratky type SAXS instrument are compared with a synchrotron SAXS technique. Samples were investigated in situ, positioned in capillaries and in levitated droplets. The number-weighted size distributions were determined applying model scattering functions based on (a) Gaussian, (b) log-normal, and (c) Schulz distributions. The mean radii are 4.36 ± 0.04 nm (RM 8011), 12.20 ± 0.03 nm (RM 8012), and 25.74 ± 0.27 nm (RM 8013). Low polydispersities, defined as relative width of the distributions, were detected with values of 0.067 ± 0.006 (RM 8011), 0.103 ± 0.003, (RM 8012), and 0.10 ± 0.01 (RM 8013). The results are in agreement with integral values determined from classical evaluation procedures, such as the radius of gyration (Guinier) and particle volume (Kratky). No indications of particle aggregation and particle interactions-repulsive or attractive-were found. We recommend SAXS as a standard method for a fast and precise determination of size distributions of nanoparticles.
Ionic liquids (ILs) have attracted tremendous interest in the recent past for their potential in many chemical fields. The current report explores the effects of a set of ILs based on the 1-ethyl-3-methyl-imidazolium cation and different anions on the formation of gold nanoparticles. X-Ray diffraction finds face-centered cubic gold in all cases, but transmission electron microscopy (TEM) shows that there are distinct differences in particle formation and stabilization with the ethyl sulfate (ES), trifluoromethanesulfonate (TfO) and methanesulfonate (MS) anions. With the MS anion, nanoparticles with diameters between 5 and 7 nm form, which increasingly aggregate at higher reaction temperatures. With TfO, also small 5 to 7 nm particles form, but only at low temperatures. Above ca. 160 °C, large, ill-defined and aggregated particles form. With ES, polydisperse samples form at all temperatures except 160 °C. In this case the nanoparticles appear often surrounded by an IL film, which appears to stabilize individual, ca. 15 to 20 nm particles. Dynamic light scattering and UV/Vis spectroscopy further show that in suspension the particles are, much like seen in the TEM, more strongly aggregated with higher reaction temperatures. In summary, the results suggest that there are very specific IL-gold interactions that are responsible for the formation of gold particles with an IL-specific shape, size, and aggregation behavior.
We report on a hyphenated polymer analysis method consisting of asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (A4F) coupled online with small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). A mixture of six poly(styrene sulfonate)s with molar masses in the range of 6.5 × 103 to 1.0 × 106 g mol-1 was used as a model system for polyelectrolytes in aqueous solutions with a broad molar mass distribution. A complete polymer separation and analysis was performed in 60 min. Detailed information for all polymer fractions are available on i) the radii of gyration, which were determined from the SAXS data interpretation in terms of the Debye model (Gaussian chains), and ii) the diffusion coefficients (from DLS). We recommend using the A4F-SAXS-DLS coupling as a possible new reference method for the detailed analysis of complex polymer mixtures. Advantages of the use of SAXS are seen in comparison to static light scattering for polymers with radii of gyration smaller then 15 nm, for which only SAXS produces precise analytical results on the size of the polymers in solution.
Sequences and end groups of complex copolyesters were determined by fragmentation analysis by means of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization collision-induced dissociation tandem mass spectrometry (MALDI CID MS/MS). The complexity of the crude copolyester mixture was reduced by a chromatographic separation followed by a MALDI time-of-flight (TOF) investigation of fractions. Due to overlapping compositional and end-group information a clear assignment of end groups was very difficult. However, the fragmentation of suitable precursor ions resulted in typical fragment ion patterns and, therefore, enabled a fast and unambiguous determination of the end groups and composition of this important class of polymers.
The strategy of utilizing mechanochemical synthesis to obtain metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with high surface areas is demonstrated for two model systems. The compounds HKUST-1 (Cu3(BTC)2, BTC = 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate) and MOF-14 (Cu3(BTB)2, BTB = 4,4',4''-benzenetribenzoate) were synthesized by ball milling and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermal analysis (DTA/DTG/MS). The specific surface area (SSA) of both compounds was characterized by nitrogen adsorption. To verify these results and to understand how the synthetic conditions influence the pore structure and the surface area, additional small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) experiments were carried out. Our investigations confirm that this synthesis approach is a promising alternative method for distinct MOFs. This facile method leads to materials with surface areas of 1713 m²/g, which is comparable to the highest given values in the literature for the respective compounds.
Pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria use a type three secretion system (TTSS) to deliver virulence factors into host cells. Although the order in which proteins incorporate into the growing TTSS is well described, the underlying assembly mechanisms are still unclear. Here we show that the TTSS needle protomer refolds spontaneously to extend the needle from the distal end. We developed a functional mutant of the needle protomer from Shigella flexneri and Salmonella typhimurium to study its assembly in vitro. We show that the protomer partially refolds from α-helix into β-strand conformation to form the TTSS needle. Reconstitution experiments show that needle growth does not require ATP. Thus, like the structurally related flagellar systems, the needle elongates by subunit polymerization at the distal end but requires protomer refolding. Our studies provide a starting point to understand the molecular assembly mechanisms and the structure of the TTSS at atomic level.
Nanosilver is increasingly used in optics, medicine and analytical chemistry. We recently reported on the synthesis and properties of novel peptide-coated chiral nanosilver [1] using a small hexapeptide based on the amino acids CKK. In a continuation of our previous work, we use the peptides to catalyse TEOS hydrolysis in order to form a dense silica layer shell around a single nanoparticle, preventing chemical etching, allowing their inclusion in other inorganics, and making them biocompatible. Because of mild reaction conditions, the peptide integrity is ensured, as the chiral information which is contained in the nanoparticle. Moreover, these novel core-shell structures remain well-dispersed and are biocompatible. The possibility of further processing (creation of metamaterials etc.) is also in the focus of our interest.
Polyelectrolytes such as PAA and its salts are widely used, but are notoriously difficult to characterize due to their polyelectrolyte properties and broad molecular mass distributions. In this paper, we report on a new PAA analysis by combining asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation and an advanced SAXS technique using an acoustic levitator to minimize background scattering. The proof-of-principle is demonstrated with a mixture of three standard PAAs with different molecular masses. Detailed information on the PAA fractions is available on radii of gyration, polymer contour lengths, and coil conformation. Our method is expected to be applicable for a wide range of water-soluble synthetic and natural polymers and ideal for molecular masses of 5 × 103–2 × 105 g · mol-1.
Silver nanoparticles (SNP) are the subject of worldwide commercialization because of their antimicrobial effects. Yet only little data on their mode of action exist. Further, only few techniques allow for visualization and quantification of unlabeled nanoparticles inside cells. To study SNP of different sizes and coatings within human macrophages, we introduce a novel laser postionization secondary neutral mass spectrometry (Laser-SNMS) approach and prove this method superior to the widely applied confocal Raman and transmission electron microscopy. With time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) we further demonstrate characteristic fingerprints in the lipid pattern of the cellular membrane indicative of oxidative stress and membrane fluidity changes. Increases of protein carbonyl and heme oxygenase-1 levels in treated cells confirm the presence of oxidative stress biochemically. Intriguingly, affected phagocytosis reveals as highly sensitive end point of SNP-mediated adversity in macrophages. The cellular responses monitored are hierarchically linked, but follow individual kinetics and are partially reversible.
Processing nanoparticles with A4F-SAXS for toxicological studies: Iron oxide in cell-based assays
(2011)
Nanoparticles are not typically ready-to-use for in vitro cell culture assays. Prior to their use in assays, powder samples containing nanoparticles must be dispersed, de-agglomerated, fractionated by size, and characterized with respect to size and size distribution. For this purpose we report exemplarily on polyphosphate-stabilized iron oxide nanoparticles in aqueous suspension. Fractionation and online particle size analysis was performed in a time-saving procedure lasting 50 min by combining asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (A4F) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). Narrowly distributed nanoparticle fractions with radii of gyration (Rg) from 7 to 21 nm were obtained from polydisperse samples. The A4F-SAXS combination is introduced for the preparation of well-characterized sample fractions originating from a highly polydisperse system as typically found in engineered nanoparticles. A4F-SAXS processed particles are ready-to-use for toxicological studies. The results of preliminary tests of the effects of fractionated iron oxide nanoparticles with a Rg of 15 nm on a human colon model cell line are reported.
Compact pnCCD-based X-ray camera with high spatial and energy resolution: a color X-ray camera
(2011)
For many applications there is a requirement for nondestructive analytical investigation of the elemental distribution in a sample. With the improvement of X-ray optics and spectroscopic X-ray imagers, full field X-ray fluorescence (FF-XRF) methods are feasible. A new device for high-resolution X-ray imaging, an energy and spatial resolving X-ray camera, is presented. The basic idea behind this so-called 'color X-ray camera' (CXC) is to combine an energy dispersive array detector for X-rays, in this case a pnCCD, with polycapillary optics. Imaging is achieved using multiframe recording of the energy and the point of impact of single photons. The camera was tested using a laboratory 30 µm microfocus X-ray tube and synchrotron radiation from BESSY II at the BAMline facility. These experiments demonstrate the suitability of the camera for X-ray fluorescence analytics. The camera simultaneously records 69696 spectra with an energy resolution of 152 eV for manganese Kα with a spatial resolution of 50 µm over an imaging area of 12.7 × 12.7 mm². It is sensitive to photons in the energy region between 3 and 40 keV, limited by a 50 µm beryllium window, and the sensitive thickness of 450 µm of the chip. Online preview of the sample is possible as the software updates the sums of the counts for certain energy channel ranges during the measurement and displays 2-D false-color maps as well as spectra of selected regions. The complete data cube of 264 × 264 spectra is saved for further qualitative and quantitative processing.
The interaction of self-assembled dendritic amphiphiles with drugs and dyes in aqueous solutions is of great significance for designing and optimizing shape-persistent delivery systems. Here we present deeper insight for two examples of low molecular weight (LMW) nonionic dendritic amphiphiles as host molecules and a series of selected aromatic guest model molecules (benzene, naphthalene, biphenyl, terphenyl, anthracene, and pyrene). Aromatic guest molecules were incorporated into the self-assemblies of dendritic nanocarriers, and the resultant complexes were studied by a combination of UV, NMR, computational simulation, and small-angle X-ray-scattering (SAXS) techniques in order to determine the loading capacity, localization, and specific interactions in dendritic amphiphiles with guest molecules. Our findings revealed that the localization of guest molecules in the hydrophobic region and the loading capacity of guest molecules are dependent on their size and the arrangement of aromatic rings instead of the loading amount. Furthermore, the shape of self-assembled host molecules was found to be ellipsoidal and highly persistent even after loading the guest molecules. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic host–guest study, particularly with low molecular weight nonionic dendritic amphiphilies and aromatic guest molecules. Thus, this study opens new possibilities and ways to explore the transport behavior of aromatic drugs with such nanocarriers.
The synthesis, characterization, self-assembly, and gel formation of poly(γ-benzyl-L-glutamate) (PBLG) in a molecular weight range from ca. 7,000–100,000 g/mol and with narrow molecular weight distribution are described. The PBLG is synthesized by the nickel-mediated ring-opening polymerization and is characterized by size-exclusion chromatography coupled with multiple-angle laser light scattering, NMR, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The self-assembly and thermoreversible gel formation in the helicogenic solvent toluene is investigated by transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering, and synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction. At concentrations significantly below the minimum gelation concentration, spherical aggregates are observed. At higher concentrations, gels are formed, which show a 3D network structure composed of nanofibers. The proposed self-assembly mechanism is based on a distorted hexagonal packing of PBLG helices parallel to the axis of the nanofiber. The gel network forms due to branching and rejoining of bundles of PBLG nanofibers. The network exhibits uniform domains with a length of 200±42 nm composed of densely packed PBLG helices.