Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1007/s00216-020-02740-3
Licence creative commons licence
Title (Primary) Exploring the potential of laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry to analyse organic capping agents on inorganic nanoparticle surfaces
Author Giannopoulos, K.; Lechtenfeld, O.J. ORCID logo ; Holbrook, T.R.; Reemtsma, T.; Wagner, S.
Source Titel Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry
Year 2020
Department ANA
Volume 412
Issue 22
Page From 5261
Page To 5271
Language englisch
Supplements https://static-content.springer.com/esm/art%3A10.1007%2Fs00216-020-02740-3/MediaObjects/216_2020_2740_MOESM1_ESM.pdf
Keywords Nanoparticle surface; Engineered coating; Characterisation; Surface ligands
UFZ wide themes ProVIS;
Abstract Analytical techniques are in high demand for the determination of organic capping agents on surfaces of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) such as gold (Au) and silver (Ag). In this study, the potential of laser desorption ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LDI-ToF-MS) as a technique fit for this purpose is demonstrated. First, a collection of reference spectra of most commonly used organic capping agents, including small molecules and polymers was established. Second, the robustness of the method was tested towards parameters like NP core material and NP size. In a third step, the quantitative capabilities of LDI-ToF-MS were determined. Finally, the potential to detect chemical alterations of the organic capping agent was evaluated. LDI-ToF-MS is able to detect capping agents ranging from small molecules (citric acid, tannic acid, lipoic acid) to large polymers (polyvinylpyrrolidone, branched polyethylenimine and methoxy polyethylene glycol sulfhydryl) on Au and Ag NPs based on characteristic signals for each capping agent. Small molecules showed characteristic fragment ions with low intensities, whereas polymers showed intense signals of the monomeric subunit. The NP concentration range comprises about two orders of magnitude with lowest detection limits of 5 mg/L or a capping agent concentration in the lower nM range. Changes in capping agent composition are detectable at NP concentrations in the g/L range. Thus, LDI-ToF-MS is particularly suitable for characterisation of polymer-capped NPs with high NP concentrations. This may be the case for quality control as part of the material synthesis and testing.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=23166
Giannopoulos, K., Lechtenfeld, O.J., Holbrook, T.R., Reemtsma, T., Wagner, S. (2020):
Exploring the potential of laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry to analyse organic capping agents on inorganic nanoparticle surfaces
Anal. Bioanal. Chem. 412 (22), 5261 - 5271 10.1007/s00216-020-02740-3