Proper Receipt, Use, and Storage of Gold Nanoparticles | Nanopartz™

When working with gold nanoparticles, including spheres, rods, micron sized gold and gold nanowires, use this guide for Receipt, Storage and Use

Shipping

Nanopartz only ships using Fedex Overnight Priority Service domestically and Fedex 2 Day International Priority for international orders. They are shipped in thermally insulated sleeves, and if the product requires, cold packs. We use these methods and services not only because our products deserve a shipping method equal to the effort used in manufacturing them, but also because by shipping using these methods, we can minimize the chances of freezing or overheating. Please note that your product will withstand many days unrefrigerated, prior to opening. But once opened, you will need to follow the storage and use below.

Receipt

Using these methods, we guarantee our products will fulfill the specifications stated in the Certificate of Analysis. These expiration dates can range from 30 days to 1 year depending on the type of product. The specifications shown in the typical Certificate of Analysis detail physical properties as size, charge, absorbance, and more depending on the product. If handled using the procedures stated in the Storage and Handling, we guarantee our products will meet these specifications for the full duration of the shelf life.

Storage

Unless otherwise stated, store your gold nanoparticles in the refrigerator at 4C and do not freeze. Make sure that when opening, you do not contaminate. Freezing and contamination are the two primary reasons for lost product.

Use

Prior to every use, please shake, sonicate, and mix your product. Take a UV VIS and make sure to match it to the COA that came with the product. Disposal is driven primarily by the solvent or solution of the nanoparticles suspension. If you have used organic solvents, make sure to dispose of in accordance with organic solvents. If not, or in addition to, please aggregate your gold nanoparticles prior to disposal. That is, freeze or use salt to turn your nanoparticles into an aggregation. The product comes encapsulated and should leave in macro form.

Here is an image that visually represents the content of the webpage regarding the receipt, storage, and use of gold nanoparticles. It features a lab setting with labeled vials, a refrigerator, safety icons, and a spectrometer, capturing the essential guidelines and procedures outlined on the page.

FAQs

I am past the expiration date. Should I replace my product?

If you have handled and stored your product following the guide provided and if you have ensured that you have only used sterile ware to handle your product and stored your product in a refrigerator and not let it froze, your product can last much longer than the expiration date. For some of our bare spheres and rods, we have customers still using Nanopartz products after over seven years of storage.

How do I tell if my product is not storing well?

Nanoparticles are extremely visual in that if they begin to degrade, they will change in color, uniformity, and may sediment or stick to the sides of the storage tube. These are the first signs. The next test is a quick UV VIS absorbance to match the spectrum to the one provided on the Certificate of Analysis. These are the primary ways to evaluate. If you're still not sure, please contact us at support@nanopartz.com and send us a picture of your product. We will be able to tell right away.

What do I do if I'm past my expiration date and need a replacement?

So what does the Expiration Date mean to me?

It is the date upon which you need to keep an eye on your product and note any visual or performance changes and look to potentially replace.