Essential equipment for nanoparticle characterization: stability, surface chemistry and optical properties

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Nanomaterials (size scale: 1-100 nm) with their novel properties unique to matter of such dimensions are creating new routes to many pressing biomedical issues. For this reason, I have been recently hired by INRS to pursue a vigorous research program in the development of highly functional nanoparticles (NPs) possessing luminescent and/or superparamagnetic properties and targeted at various important biomedical applications.  The short-term objective of the proposed research is to develop hybrid NPs based on semiconductor NPs (emitting in both visible and near-infrared regions) and/or metallic superparamagnetic NPs (for highest magnetization and thus working efficiency), which will be covered by robust shells (e.g. polymer/silica double shells, for stability and minimal toxicity). The main thrust of our activity will focus on advanced nanomaterials synthesis, surface modification and conjugation, structural and stability characterization, and the investigation of superparamagnetic and photophysical properties using a combination of experimental techniques. The long-term objectives are increasing our knowledge of luminescent and superparamagnetic nanomaterials as well as pushing them towards biomedical applications.  State-of-the-art equipment for NP characterization is essential to develop the proposed research program. One of the most important equipment is a Ultraviolet (UV)/Visible (Vis)/Near-infrared (NIR) Spectrophotometer to be used for the optical characterization of luminescent NPs and for the convenient determination of the concentrations of species of interest during surface modification and conjugation processes. It is also absolutely crucial to have a Zeta Potential Analyzer that is able to test and optimize the colloidal stability of NPs and evaluate their surface chemistry after surface modification. The present application will complement funding from other sources, with the aim of contributing to foster focused research activities in advanced nanomaterials development and characterization and to train highly qualified personnel to respond to contemporary scientific and technological challenges.