Journal Article

Effect of sonication on particle dispersion, administered dose and metal release of non-functionalized, non-inert metal nanoparticles

Pradhan, Sulena, Blomberg, Eva, Hedberg, Jonas, Wold, Susanna, Odnevall Wallinder, Inger

2016

Overview

In this study, we elucidate the effect of different sonication techniques to efficiently prepare particle dispersions from selected non-functionalized NPs (Cu, Al, Mn, ZnO), and corresponding consequences on the particle dose, surface charge and release of metals. Probe sonication was shown to be the preferred method for dispersing non-inert, non-functionalized metal NPs (Cu, Mn, Al). However, rapid sedimentation during sonication resulted in differences between the real and the administered doses in the order of 30–80 % when sonicating in 1 and 2.56 g/L NP stock solutions. After sonication, extensive agglomeration of the metal NPs resulted in rapid sedimentation of all particles. DLVO calculations supported these findings, showing the strong van der Waals forces of the metal NPs to result in significant NP agglomeration. Metal release from the metal NPs was slightly increased by increased sonication. The addition of a stabilizing agent (bovine serum albumin) had an accelerating effect on the release of metals in sonicated solutions. For Cu and Mn NPs, the extent of particle dissolution increased from <1.6 to ~5 % after sonication for 15 min. A prolonged sonication time (3–15 min) had negligible effects on the zeta potential of the studied NPs. In all, it is shown that it is of utmost importance to carefully investigate how sonication influences the physico-chemical properties of dispersed metal NPs. This should be considered in nanotoxicology investigations of metal NPs. Graphical Abstract

• Publisher: Springer Netherlands,Springer Nature B.V
• Subject: Accelerating effect / Agglomeration / Aluminium / Aluminum / Body fluids / Bovine serum albumins / BSA / Characterization and Evaluation of Materials / Chemical properties / Chemistry and Materials Science / Copper / Dispersions / DLVO / Dosimetry / Inorganic Chemistry / Lasers / Manganese / Materials Science / Metal nanoparticles / Metal release / Metals / Nanoparticles / Nanotechnology / Optical Devices / Optics / Particle dispersion / Particle dissolution / Particle size / Photonics / Physical Chemistry / Physicochemical property / Research Paper / Sedimentation / Sonication / Sonication techniques / Van der Waals forces / Zeta potential