Nanoparticle Terms and Definitions
Nanoparticle
A microscopic particle with at least one dimension less than 100 nanometers. Nanoparticles can be made from a variety of materials such as metals, ceramics, or polymers.
Non-Specific Binding
The unintended interaction of nanoparticles with non-target molecules or cells. This can lead to reduced efficacy and increased background noise in biomedical applications.
Agglomeration
The clumping together of nanoparticles due to attractive forces such as van der Waals forces or magnetic interactions. This can affect the dispersion and stability of nanoparticles in a medium.
Aggregation
The process where nanoparticles come together to form larger structures. Unlike agglomeration, aggregation is often irreversible and can significantly alter the properties and functionality of the nanoparticles.
Ionic-Induced Adsorption
The attachment of ions onto the surface of nanoparticles, which can change the surface charge and influence the interactions with other particles and biological systems.
Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR)
A phenomenon where conduction electrons on the surface of metallic nanoparticles oscillate in resonance with incident light, leading to unique optical properties useful in sensing and imaging applications.
Quantum Dots
Nanoscale semiconductor particles that have quantum mechanical properties, including size-dependent optical and electronic properties. They are used in applications such as bioimaging, solar cells, and LED displays.
Zeta Potential
The electric potential at the slipping plane of a particle in a colloidal system, which indicates the stability of the colloidal suspension. A high zeta potential (positive or negative) means a stable suspension, while a low zeta potential indicates a tendency to aggregate.
Biocompatibility
The ability of nanoparticles to interact with biological systems without eliciting any adverse effects. This is crucial for applications in drug delivery and medical diagnostics.
Functionalization
The process of modifying the surface of nanoparticles with functional groups to improve their interaction with specific molecules or cells. This enhances their performance in targeted drug delivery and imaging.
Photothermal Therapy
A treatment method that uses nanoparticles to convert absorbed light into heat, thereby destroying cancer cells. Gold nanoparticles are commonly used for this application due to their strong SPR effect.
Magnetic Nanoparticles
Nanoparticles that exhibit magnetic properties, typically made from materials like iron oxide. They are used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), drug delivery, and as contrast agents in diagnostics.
Nanotoxicity
The potential harmful effects of nanoparticles on living organisms and the environment. Understanding and mitigating nanotoxicity is essential for the safe development and application of nanotechnologies.
Nanocarriers
Nanoscale vehicles designed to deliver drugs, genes, or other therapeutic agents directly to targeted cells or tissues. They enhance the efficacy and reduce the side effects of treatments.
Self-Assembly
The process by which nanoparticles organize themselves into structured arrangements without external guidance, driven by interactions such as hydrogen bonding, van der Waals forces, and electrostatic forces.
Sol-Gel Process
A method for producing solid materials from small molecules through the formation of a colloidal suspension (sol) that transforms into a gel-like network. This is commonly used for creating nanoparticles and nanostructured materials.
Nanocomposite
A multiphase material where one of the phases has at least one dimension in the nanometer range. These materials combine properties of different components to achieve enhanced mechanical, electrical, or thermal performance.
Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA)
A technique used to measure the size distribution and concentration of nanoparticles in a liquid suspension by tracking the Brownian motion of individual particles.
Superparamagnetism
A property of small magnetic nanoparticles that exhibit strong magnetic responses only in the presence of an external magnetic field and no residual magnetism when the field is removed. This is useful in biomedical imaging and data storage.
Bioavailability
The extent and rate at which nanoparticles or their cargo (such as drugs) become available at the site of physiological activity after administration. Enhancing bioavailability is a key goal in nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems.
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