From Colloid to Nanoparticle - The Old and New in Nanoparticle Technology

S. Franzen
North Carolina State University, US

Keywords: nanoparticles, physical chemistry

Abstract:
INVITED PAPER: Colloid chemistry is the oldest branch of chemistry predating even alchemy. However, the knowledge base of colloid chemistry began to fade from the chemistry curriculum and has only recently had a resurgence due to the importance of nanoparticles. The importance of the basic science of colloid chemistry will be briefly reviewed. Optical experiments (absorption, fluorescence, time-resolved fluorescence, dynamic light scattering etc.) can now be used to elucidate the surface coverage and electrostatic properties of nanoparticles. These experiments provide a basis for the study of nanoparticle agents that can be used in biology. Experiments that range from DNA detection to intracellular targeting will be shown as part of the survey of nanoparticle technologies.

NSTI Nanotech 2003 Conference Technical Program Abstract