Anionic functionalized gold nanoparticle continuous full filling separations: importance of sample concentration.

Electrically driven separations which contain nanoparticles offer detection and separation advantages but are often difficult to reproduce. To address possible sources of separation inconsistencies, anionic functionalized gold nanoparticles are thoroughly characterized and subsequently included in continuous full filling capillary electrophoresis separations of varying concentrations of three small molecules. Citrate stabilized gold nanospheres are functionalized with 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid, 6-mercaptohexanoic acid, or thioctic acid self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) and characterized using dynamic light scattering, extinction spectroscopy, zeta potential, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy prior to use in capillary electrophoresis.

Salt-mediated self-assembly of thioctic acid on gold nanoparticles.

Self-assembled monolayer (SAM) modification is a widely used method to improve the functionality and stability of bulk and nanoscale materials. For instance, the chemical compatibility and utility of solution-phase nanoparticles are often improved using covalently bound SAMs. Herein, solution-phase gold nanoparticles are modified with thioctic acid SAMs in the presence and absence of salt.

Nanomaterial surface chemistry design for advancements in capillary electrophoresis modes.

Tailored surface chemistry impacts nanomaterial function and stability in applications including in various capillary electrophoresis (CE) modes. Although colloidal nanoparticles were first integrated as colouring agents in artwork and pottery over 2000 years ago, recent developments in nanoparticle synthesis and surface modification increased their usefulness and incorporation in separation science. For instance, precise control of surface chemistry is critically important in modulating nanoparticle functionality and stability in dynamic environments.

Investigations of the mechanism of gold nanoparticle stability and surface functionalization in capillary electrophoresis.

Covalently functionalized gold nanoparticles influence capillary electrophoresis separations of neurotransmitters in a concentration- and surface-chemistry-dependent manner. Gold nanoparticles with either primarily covalently functionalized carboxylic acid (Au@COOH) or amine (Au@NH(2)) surface groups are characterized using extinction spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and zeta potential measurements. The impact of the presence of nanoparticles and their surface chemistry is investigated, and at least three nanoparticle-specific mechanisms are found to effect separations.