Single nanoparticle characterization platform for biomedical and nanotechnological applications.

The field of nanoparticle applications and studies has gained large interest in the past decades both from the industrial and academic world. While the first biomedical, environmental and electro-optic applications based on nanoparticles are under development such as: biosensors, drug delivery, heavy metal sensors, quantum dots for displays etc., it still remains challenging to accurately predict and determine the nanoparticle properties on the single particle level. We aim to develop and utilize an anti-Brownian electrokinetic trap as a single nanoparticle characterization platform. Trapping nanoparticles for long exposure measurements allows for accurate static and dynamic determination of the nanoparticle's hydrodynamic radius, zeta-potential and emission intensity, which opens the door for detailed studies as has been proven by other research groups. Within this research project these highly sensitive measurements will be applied to novel applications such as: biosensing by measuring the binding dynamics of a functionalized nanoparticle, charging dynamics of polymer nanobeads for state-of-the-art electronic ink displays and charge related emission dynamics of nanocrystals. In this way the project may lead to further advancements in diagnosis of diseases and drug delivery, development of high frame rate e-ink displays and insight into key parameters for synthesis of stable colloidal nanocrystals.