High-resolution scanning tunneling microscopy characterization of mixed monolayer protected gold nanoparticles

Nanoimaging of Facet-Dependent Adsorption, Diffusion, and Reactivity of Surface Ligands on Au Nanocrystals

Analysis of the influence of dissimilar facets on the adsorption, stability, mobility, and reactivity of surface ligands is essential for designing ligand-coated nanocrystals with optimal functionality. Herein, para-nitrothiophenol and nitronaphthalene were chemisorbed and physisorbed, respectively, on Au nanocrystals, and the influence of different facets within a single Au nanocrystal on ligands properties were identified by IR nanospectroscopy measurements. Preferred adsorption was probed on (001) facets for both ligands, with a lower density on (111) facets. Exposure to reducing conditions led to nitro reduction and diffusion of both ligands toward the top (111) facet. Nitrothiophenol was characterized with a diffusivity higher than that of nitronaphthalene. Moreover, the strong thiol-Au interaction led to the diffusion of Au atoms and the formation of thiol-coated Au nanoparticles on the silicon surface. It is identified that the adsorption and reactivity of surface ligands were mainly influenced by the atomic properties of each facet, while diffusion was controlled by ligand-metal interactions.

NMR Characterization of Nanoscale Surface Patterning in Mixed Ligand Nanoparticles

Spontaneous phase separation in binary mixed ligand shells is a proposed strategy to create patchy nanoparticles. The surface anisotropy, providing directionality along with interfacial properties emerging from both ligands, is highly desirable for targeted drug delivery, catalysis, and other applications. However, characterization of phase separation on the nanoscale remains quite challenging. Here we have adapted solid-state ¹H spin diffusion NMR experiments designed to detect and quantify spatial heterogeneity in polymeric materials to nanoparticles (NPs) functionalized with mixed short ligands. Janus NPs and physical mixtures of homoligand 3.5 nm diameter ZrO₂ NPs, with aromatic (phenylphosphonic acid, PPA) and aliphatic (oleic acid, OA) ligands, were used to calibrate the ¹H spin diffusion experiments. The Janus NPs, prepared by a facile wax/water Pickering emulsion method, and mixed ligand NPs, produced by ligand exchange, both with 1:1 PPA:OA ligand compositions, display strikingly different solvent and particle-particle interactions. ¹H spin diffusion NMR experiments are most consistent with a lamellar surface pattern for the mixed ligand ZrO₂ NPs. Solid-state ¹H spin diffusion NMR is shown to be a valuable additional characterization tool for mixed ligand NPs, as it not only detects the presence of nanoscale phase separation but also allows measurement of the domain sizes and geometries of the surface phase separation.

Site-selective modification of metallic nanoparticles

Surface patterning of inorganic nanoparticles through site-selective functionalization with mixed-ligand shells or additional inorganic material is an intriguing approach to developing tailored nanomaterials with potentially novel and/or multifunctional properties. The unique physicochemical properties of such nanoparticles are likely to impact their behavior and functionality in biological environments, catalytic systems, and electronics applications, making it vital to understand how we can achieve and characterize such regioselective surface functionalization. This Feature Article will review methods by which chemists have selectively modified the surface of colloidal nanoparticles to obtain both two-sided Janus particles and nanoparticles with patchy or stripey mixed-ligand shells, as well as to achieve directed growth of mesoporous oxide materials and metals onto existing nanoparticle templates in a spatially and compositionally controlled manner. The advantages and drawbacks of various techniques used to characterize the regiospecificity of anisotropic surface coatings are discussed, as well as areas for improvement, and future directions for this field.

Photocatalytic redox on the surface of colloidal silver nanoparticles revealed by second harmonic generation and two-photon luminescence

The redox of silver on the surface of Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) has received extensive attention because of its significant impact on the biological, physical and chemical properties of AgNPs and their applications. Here we demonstrate that the surface redox reaction of AgNPs in colloids may be investigated by the second harmonic generation (SHG) and two-photon luminescence (TPL) emission from the AgNPs. It was revealed that the oxidation of silver on the surface of AgNPs was accelerated upon femtosecond laser excitation, accompanied by a decrease in the SHG and TPL emissions from the AgNPs. The photon-induced reduction of oxidized silver on AgNPs and the formation of surface defects were also revealed by the changes in the SHG and TPL emissions. Size and morphology changes have not been detected by dynamic light scattering and TEM measurements. The changes in the UV-vis extinction spectra were also very weak compared with previous reports. However, the occurrence of redox reactions on the Ag surface upon femtosecond laser irradiation has been confirmed by multiple control experiments. This work demonstrates that SHG and TPL can sensitively probe the subtle structural change on the surface of AgNPs.

Highly Heterogeneous Polarization and Solvation of Gold Nanoparticles in Aqueous Electrolytes

The performance of gold nanoparticles (NPs) in applications depends critically on the structure of the NP-solvent interface, at which the electrostatic surface polarization is one of the key characteristics that affects hydration, ionic adsorption, and electrochemical reactions. Here, we demonstrate significant effects of explicit metal polarizability on the solvation and electrostatic properties of bare gold NPs in aqueous electrolyte solutions of sodium salts of various anions (Cl^-, BF₄^-, PF₆^-, nitrophenolate, and 3- and 4-valent hexacyanoferrate), using classical molecular dynamics simulations with a polarizable core-shell model for the gold atoms. We find considerable spatial heterogeneity of the polarization and electrostatic potentials on the NP surface, mediated by a highly facet-dependent structuring of the interfacial water molecules. Moreover, ion-specific, facet-dependent ion adsorption leads to considerable alterations of the interfacial polarization. Compared to nonpolarizable NPs, surface polarization modifies water local dipole densities only slightly but has substantial effects on the electrostatic surface potentials and leads to significant lateral redistributions of ions on the NP surface. Besides, interfacial polarization effects cancel out in the far field for monovalent ions but not for polyvalent ions, as anticipated from continuum "image-charge" concepts. Far-field effective Debye-Hückel surface potentials change accordingly in a valence-specific fashion. Hence, the explicit charge response of metal NPs is crucial for the accurate description and interpretation of interfacial electrostatics (e.g., for charge transfer and interfacial polarization in catalysis and electrochemistry).

Cancer Nanopharmaceuticals: Physicochemical Characterization and In Vitro/In Vivo Applications

Physicochemical, pharmacokinetic, and biopharmaceutical characterization tools play a key role in the assessment of nanopharmaceuticals' potential imaging analysis and for site-specific delivery of anti-cancers to neoplastic cells/tissues. If diagnostic tools and therapeutic approaches are combined in one single nanoparticle, a new platform called nanotheragnostics is generated. Several analytical technologies allow us to characterize nanopharmaceuticals and nanoparticles and their properties so that they can be properly used in cancer therapy. This paper describes the role of multifunctional nanoparticles in cancer diagnosis and treatment, describing how nanotheragnostics can be useful in modern chemotherapy, and finally, the challenges associated with the commercialization of nanoparticles for cancer therapy.

Metallic-Nanoparticle-Based Sensing: Utilization of Mixed-Ligand Monolayers

The last two decades have seen great advancements in fundamental understanding and applications of metallic nanoparticles stabilized by mixed-ligand monolayers. Identifying and controlling the organization of multiple ligands in the nanoparticle monolayer has been studied, and its effect on particle properties has been examined. Mixed-ligand protected particles have shown advantages over monoligand protected particles in fields such as catalysis, self-assembly, imaging, and drug delivery. In this Review, the use of mixed-ligand monolayer protected nanoparticles for sensing applications will be examined. This is the first time this subject is examined as a whole. Mixed-ligand nanoparticle-based sensors are revealed to be divided into four groups, each of which will be discussed. The first group consists of ligands that work cooperatively to improve the sensors' properties. In the second group, multiple ligands are utilized for sensing multiple analytes. The third group combines ligands used for analyte recognition and signal production. In the final group, a sensitive, but unstable, functional ligand is combined with a stabilizing ligand. The Review will conclude by discussing future challenges and potential research directions for this promising subject.

Nanostructured surfaces from ligand-protected metal nanoparticles

Nanostructuring surfaces with metal atoms or clusters represents a promising approach to create materials with unique electronic/magnetic properties and improved chemical reactivity. By means of plasma sputtering and mass spectrometric techniques, the deposition of precisely size-selected clusters onto single-crystal surfaces has been applied to prepare surfaces with tailored properties. However, nanostructured surfaces can as well be prepared with metal nanoparticles via solution-phase methods, but the difference is that nanoparticles prepared by wet chemistry are usually coated with a layer of ligands, which are essential not only for maintaining the size and the atomic structure of metallic cores, but also for playing crucial roles in the synthesis, physicochemical properties and catalytic activities of the nanoparticles. This Frontier covers aspects of nanostructured surfaces from ligand-protected metal nanoparticles, starting with high-resolution imaging of the ligand-protected metal nanoparticles, followed by periodic patterning of metal nanoparticles on surfaces and the well-controlled atomic layer deposition with nanoclusters at the liquid/solid interface. We also highlight the potential of the surface-supported structures from ligand-protected metal nanoparticles, and the challenges remaining to be tackled.

Determination and evaluation of the nonadditivity in wetting of molecularly heterogeneous surfaces

Every folded protein presents an interface with water that is composed of domains of varying hydrophilicity/-phobicity. Many simulation studies have highlighted the nonadditivity in the wetting of such nanostructured surfaces in contrast with the accepted theoretical formula that is additive. We present here an experimental study on surfaces of identical composition but different organization of hydrophobic and hydrophilic domains. We prove that the interfacial energy of such surfaces differs by ∼20% and that a significant difference in the interfacial water H-bonding structure can be measured. As a result, in combination with molecular-dynamics simulations, we propose a model that captures the wetting of molecularly heterogeneous surfaces, showing the importance of local structure (first-nearest neighbors) in determining the wetting properties.

The interface between water and folded proteins is very complex. Proteins have “patchy” solvent-accessible areas composed of domains of varying hydrophobicity. The textbook understanding is that these domains contribute additively to interfacial properties (Cassie’s equation, CE). An ever-growing number of modeling papers question the validity of CE at molecular length scales, but there is no conclusive experiment to support this and no proposed new theoretical framework. Here, we study the wetting of model compounds with patchy surfaces differing solely in patchiness but not in composition. Were CE to be correct, these materials would have had the same solid–liquid work of adhesion (W_SL) and time-averaged structure of interfacial water. We find considerable differences in W_SL, and sum-frequency generation measurements of the interfacial water structure show distinctively different spectral features. Molecular-dynamics simulations of water on patchy surfaces capture the observed behaviors and point toward significant nonadditivity in water density and average orientation. They show that a description of the molecular arrangement on the surface is needed to predict its wetting properties. We propose a predictive model that considers, for every molecule, the contributions of its first-nearest neighbors as a descriptor to determine the wetting properties of the surface. The model is validated by measurements of W_SL in multiple solvents, where large differences are observed for solvents whose effective diameter is smaller than ∼6 Å. The experiments and theoretical model proposed here provide a starting point to develop a comprehensive understanding of complex biological interfaces as well as for the engineering of synthetic ones.

Predicting the effect of chain-length mismatch on phase separation in noble metal nanoparticle monolayers with chemically mismatched ligands

Nanoparticles (NPs) protected with a ligand monolayer hold promise for a wide variety of applications, from photonics and catalysis to drug delivery and biosensing. Monolayers that include a mixture of ligand types can have multiple chemical functionalities and may also self-assemble into advantageous patterns. Previous work has shown that both chemical and length mismatches among these surface ligands influence phase separation. In this work, we examine the interplay between these driving forces, first by using our previously-developed configurationally-biased Monte Carlo (CBMC) algorithm to predict, then by using our matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) technique to experimentally probe, the surface morphologies of a series of two-ligand mixtures on the surfaces of ultrasmall silver NPs. Specifically, we examine three such mixtures, each of which has the same chemical mismatch (consisting of a hydrophobic alkanethiol and a hydrophilic mercapto-alcohol), but varying degrees of chain-length mismatch. This delicate balance between chemical and length mismatches provides a challenging test for our CBMC prediction algorithm. Even so, the simulations are able to quantitatively predict the MALDI-MS results for all three ligand mixtures, while also providing atomic-scale details from the equilibrated ligand structures, such as patch sizes and co-crystallization patterns. The resulting monolayer morphologies range from randomly-mixed to Janus-like, demonstrating that chain-length modifications are an effective way to tune monolayer morphology without needing to alter chemical functionalities.

Local photo-mechanical stiffness revealed in gold nanoparticles supracrystals by ultrafast small-angle electron diffraction

We demonstrate that highly ordered two-dimensional crystals of ligand-capped gold nanoparticles display a local photo-mechanical stiffness as high as that of solids such as graphite. In out-of-equilibrium electron diffraction experiments, a strong temperature jump is induced in a thin film with a femtosecond laser pulse. The initial electronic excitation transfers energy to the underlying structural degrees of freedom, with a rate generally proportional to the stiffness of the material. Using femtosecond small-angle electron diffraction, we observe the temporal evolution of the diffraction feature associated with the nearest-neighbor nanoparticle distance. The Debye-Waller decay for the octanethiol-capped nanoparticle supracrystal, in particular, is found to be unexpectedly fast, almost as fast as the stiffest solid known and observed by the same technique, i.e., graphite. Our observations unravel that local stiffness in a dense supramolecular assembly can be created by van der Waals interactions up to a level comparable to crystalline systems characterized by covalent bonding.

Direct observation of photo-mechanical stiffness in alkanethiol-capped gold nanoparticles supracrystals by ultrafast small-angle electron diffraction

We demonstrate that ultrastiff bonding between nanoparticles can be engineered by ad hoc assemblies of ligands, reaching strengths comparable to that of strong covalent bonds. Our observation relies on femtosecond small-angle electron diffraction.

Computational and Experimental Investigation of Janus-like Monolayers on Ultrasmall Noble Metal Nanoparticles

Detection of monolayer morphology on nanoparticles smaller than 10 nm has proven difficult with traditional visualization techniques. Here matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) is used in conjunction with atomistic simulations to detect the formation of Janus-like monolayers on noble metal nanoparticles. Silver metal nanoparticles were synthesized with a monolayer consisting of dodecanethiol (DDT) and mercaptoethanol (ME) at varying ratios. The nanoparticles were then analyzed using MALDI-MS, which gives information on the local ordering of ligands on the surface. The MALDI-MS analysis showed large deviations from random ordering, suggesting phase separation of the DDT/ME monolayers. Atomistic Monte Carlo (MC) calculations were then used to simulate the nanoscale morphology of the DDT/ME monolayers. In order to quantitatively compare the computational and experimental results, we developed a method for determining an expected MALDI-MS spectrum from the atomistic simulation. Experiments and simulations show quantitative agreement, and both indicate that the DDT/ME ligands undergo phase separation, resulting in Janus-like nanoparticle monolayers with large, patchy domains.

Mass spectrometry and Monte Carlo method mapping of nanoparticle ligand shell morphology

Janus, patchy, stripe-like, or random arrangements of molecules within the ligand shell of nanoparticles affect many properties. Among all existing ligand shell morphology characterization methods, the one based on mass spectroscopy is arguably the simplest. Its greatest limitation is that the results are qualitative. Here, we use a tailor-made Monte Carlo type program that fits the whole MALDI spectrum and generates a 3D model of the ligand shell. Quantitative description of the ligand shell in terms of nearest neighbor distribution and characteristic length scale can be readily extracted by the model, and are compared with the results of other characterization methods. A parameter related to the intermolecular interaction is extracted when this method is combined with NMR. This approach could become the routine method to characterize the ligand shell morphology of many nanoparticles and we provide an open access program to facilitate its use.

Determining the arrangement of ligands on a nanoparticle is challenging, given the limitations of existing characterization tools. Here, the authors describe an accessible method for resolving ligand shell morphology that uses simple MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry measurements in conjunction with an open-access Monte Carlo fitting program.

Real-space imaging with pattern recognition of a ligand-protected Ag374 nanocluster at sub-molecular resolution

High-resolution real-space imaging of nanoparticle surfaces is desirable for better understanding of surface composition and morphology, molecular interactions at the surface, and nanoparticle chemical functionality in its environment. However, achieving molecular or sub-molecular resolution has proven to be very challenging, due to highly curved nanoparticle surfaces and often insufficient knowledge of the monolayer composition. Here, we demonstrate sub-molecular resolution in scanning tunneling microscopy imaging of thiol monolayer of a 5 nm nanoparticle Ag₃₇₄ protected by tert-butyl benzene thiol. The experimental data is confirmed by comparisons through a pattern recognition algorithm to simulated topography images from density functional theory using the known total structure of the Ag₃₇₄ nanocluster. Our work demonstrates a working methodology for investigations of structure and composition of organic monolayers on curved nanoparticle surfaces, which helps designing functionalities for nanoparticle-based applications.

Translating high-resolution imaging methods to the curved organic surface of a nanoparticle has been challenging. Here, the authors are able to spatially resolve the sub-molecular surface details of a silver nanocluster by comparing scanning tunneling microscopy images and simulated topography data through a pattern recognition algorithm.

Quantitative 3D determination of self-assembled structures on nanoparticles using small angle neutron scattering

The ligand shell (LS) determines a number of nanoparticles’ properties. Nanoparticles’ cores can be accurately characterized; yet the structure of the LS, when composed of mixture of molecules, can be described only qualitatively (e.g., patchy, Janus, and random). Here we show that quantitative description of the LS’ morphology of monodisperse nanoparticles can be obtained using small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), measured at multiple contrasts, achieved by either ligand or solvent deuteration. Three-dimensional models of the nanoparticles’ core and LS are generated using an ab initio reconstruction method. Characteristic length scales extracted from the models are compared with simulations. We also characterize the evolution of the LS upon thermal annealing, and investigate the LS morphology of mixed-ligand copper and silver nanoparticles as well as gold nanoparticles coated with ternary mixtures. Our results suggest that SANS combined with multiphase modeling is a versatile approach for the characterization of nanoparticles’ LS.

The ligand shell of a nanoparticle remains difficult to resolve, as the available characterization methods provide only qualitative information. Here, the authors introduce an approach based on small-angle neutron scattering that can quantitatively reveal the organization of ligands in mixed-monolayer nanoparticles.

Gold nanoparticles with patterned surface monolayers for nanomedicine: current perspectives

Molecular self-assembly is a topic attracting intense scientific interest. Various strategies have been developed for construction of molecular aggregates with rationally designed properties, geometries, and dimensions that promise to provide solutions to both theoretical and practical problems in areas such as drug delivery, medical diagnostics, and biosensors, to name but a few. In this respect, gold nanoparticles covered with self-assembled monolayers presenting nanoscale surface patterns-typically patched, striped or Janus-like domains-represent an emerging field. These systems are particularly intriguing for use in bio-nanotechnology applications, as presence of such monolayers with three-dimensional (3D) morphology provides nanoparticles with surface-dependent properties that, in turn, affect their biological behavior. Comprehensive understanding of the physicochemical interactions occurring at the interface between these versatile nanomaterials and biological systems is therefore crucial to fully exploit their potential. This review aims to explore the current state of development of such patterned, self-assembled monolayer-protected gold nanoparticles, through step-by-step analysis of their conceptual design, synthetic procedures, predicted and determined surface characteristics, interactions with and performance in biological environments, and experimental and computational methods currently employed for their investigation.

Characterization of Ligand Shell for Mixed-Ligand Coated Gold Nanoparticles

Gold nanoparticles owe a large number of their properties to their ligand shell. Indeed, many researchers routinely use mixtures of ligand molecules for their nanoparticles to impart complex property sets. It has been shown that the morphology of ligand shells (e.g., Janus, random, stripelike) leads to specific properties. Examples include wettability, solubility, protein nonspecific adsorption, cell penetration, catalysis, and cation-capturing abilities. Yet, it remains a great challenge to evaluate such morphologies in even the most fundamental terms such as dimension and shape. In this Account, we review recent progress in characterization techniques applicable to gold nanoparticles with ligand shells composed of mixed ligands. We divide the characterization into three major categories, namely, microscopy, spectroscopy, and simulation. In microscopy, we review progresses in scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and scanning/transmission electron microscopy. In spectroscopy, we mainly highlight recent achievements in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), mass spectrometry (MS), small angle neutron scattering (SANS), electron spin resonance (EPR), and adsorption based spectroscopies. In simulation, we point out the latest results in understanding thermodynamic stability of ligand shell morphology and emphasize the role of computer simulation for helping interpretation of experimental data. We conclude with a perspective of future development.

Microfluidic-based high-throughput optical trapping of nanoparticles

Optical tweezers have emerged as a powerful tool for multiparametric analysis of individual nanoparticles with single-molecule sensitivity. However, its inherent low-throughput characteristic remains a major obstacle to its applications within and beyond the laboratory. This limitation is further exacerbated when working with low concentration nanoparticle samples. Here, we present a microfluidic-based optical tweezers system that can 'actively' deliver nanoparticles to a designated microfluidic region for optical trapping and analysis. The active microfluidic delivery of nanoparticles results in significantly improved throughput and efficiency for optical trapping of nanoparticles. We observed a more than tenfold increase in optical trapping throughput for nanoparticles as compared to conventional systems at the same nanoparticle concentration. To demonstrate the utility of this microfluidic-based optical tweezers system, we further used back-focal plane interferometry coupled with a trapping laser for the precise quantitation of nanoparticle size without prior knowledge of the refractive index of nanoparticles. The development of this microfluidic-based active optical tweezers system thus opens the door to high-throughput multiparametric analysis of nanoparticles using precision optical traps in the future.

Quantified Binding Scale of Competing Ligands at the Surface of Gold Nanoparticles: The Role of Entropy and Intermolecular Forces

A basic understanding of the driving forces for the formation of multiligand coronas or self-assembled monolayers over metal nanoparticles is mandatory to control and predict the properties of ligand-protected nanoparticles. Herein, ¹ H nuclear magnetic resonance experiments and advanced density functional theory (DFT) modeling are combined to highlight the key parameters defining the efficiency of ligand exchange on dispersed gold nanoparticles. The compositions of the surface and of the liquid reaction medium are quantitatively correlated for bifunctional gold nanoparticles protected by a range of competing thiols, including an alkylthiol, arylthiols of varying chain length, thiols functionalized by ethyleneglycol units, and amide groups. These partitions are used to build scales that quantify the ability of a ligand to exchange dodecanethiol. Such scales can be used to target a specific surface composition by choosing the right exchange conditions (ligand ratio, concentrations, and particle size). In the specific case of arylthiols, the exchange ability scale is exploited with the help of DFT modeling to unveil the roles of intermolecular forces and entropic effects in driving ligand exchange. It is finally suggested that similar considerations may apply to other ligands and to direct biligand synthesis.

Electrochemically Identifying Degradation Pathways of Carbon-Supported Pt Catalysts Assists in Designing Highly Durable Catalysts

Supported Pt catalysts are considered highly efficient in many applications because of their unique catalytic properties. Their poor durability hampers their use in practical applications, particularly in novel energy-conversion devices such as fuel cells. A facile electrochemical procedure that combines the evaluation of the electrochemical surface area with a breakthrough in direct electrochemical quantification of the Pt content was utilized. Catalytic performance-related factors and kinetics of Pt nanoparticle (Pt_nano) growth on a carbon substrate were probed under high-temperature annealing and ambient-temperature potential polarization, respectively. Apart from the Pt dissolution/redeposition pathway, we demonstrated that the crystal migration/coalescence pathway in catalyst degradation could not be ignored at ambient temperature. We report the enhanced durability and long-term activity of carbon-supported Pt catalysts, where the Pt_nano surface was partially encapsulated by nonspecific noble metal clusters; inhibition of the migration/coalescence pathway and effective exposure of Pt_nano surface active sites led to such enhancements.

Theoretical and Experimental Investigation of Microphase Separation in Mixed Thiol Monolayers on Silver Nanoparticles

Silver nanoparticles with mixed ligand self-assembled monolayers were synthesized from dodecanethiol and another ligand from a homologous series of alkanethiols (butanethiol, pentanethiol, heptanethiol, octanethiol, nonanethiol, decanethiol, undecanethiol, or dodecanethiol[D25]). These were hypothesized to exhibit ligand phase separation that increases with degree of physical mismatch between the ligands based on the difference in the number of carbons in the two ligands. Dodecanethiol/dodecanethiol[D25] was expected to exhibit minimal phase separation as the ligands have only isotopic differences, while dodecanethiol/butanethiol was hypothesized to exhibit the most phase separation due to the difference in chain length. Phase separation of all other ligand mixtures was expected to fall between these two extremes. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) mass spectroscopy provided a value for ligand phase separation by comparison with a binomial (random) model and subsequent calculation of the sum-of-squares error (SSR). These nanoparticle systems were also modeled using the Scheutjens and Fleer self-consistent mean-field theory (SCFT), which determined the most thermodynamically favorable arrangement of ligands on the surface. From MALDI, it was found that dodecanethiol/dodecanethiol[D25] formed a well-mixed monolayer with SSR = 0.002, and dodecanethiol/butanethiol formed a microphase separated monolayer with SSR = 0.164; in intermediate dodecanethiol/alkanethiol mixtures, SSR increased with increasing ligand length difference as expected. For comparison with experiment, an effective SSR value was calculated from SCFT simulations. The SSR values obtained by experiment and theory show good agreement and provide strong support for the validity of SCFT predictions of monolayer structure. These approaches represent robust methods of characterization for ligand phase separation on silver nanoparticles.

Routes to the preparation of mixed monolayers of fluorinated and hydrogenated alkanethiolates grafted on the surface of gold nanoparticles

The use of binary blends of hydrogenated and fluorinated alkanethiolates represents an interesting approach to the construction of anisotropic hybrid organic-inorganic nanoparticles since the fluorinated and hydrogenated components are expected to self-sort on the nanoparticle surface because of their reciprocal phobicity. These mixed monolayers are therefore strongly non-ideal binary systems. The synthetic routes we explored to achieve mixed monolayer gold nanoparticles displaying hydrogenated and fluorinated ligands clearly show that the final monolayer composition is a non-linear function of the initial reaction mixture. Our data suggest that, under certain geometrical constraints, nucleation and growth of fluorinated domains could be the initial event in the formation of these mixed monolayers. The onset of domain formation depends on the structure of the fluorinated and hydrogenated species. The solubility of the mixed monolayer nanoparticles displayed a marked discontinuity as a function of the monolayer composition. When the fluorinated component content is small, the nanoparticle systems are fully soluble in chloroform, at intermediate content the nanoparticles become soluble in hexane and eventually they become soluble in fluorinated solvents only. The ranges of monolayer compositions in which the solubility transitions are observed depend on the nature of the thiols composing the monolayer.

A Chemical Approach To Break the Planar Configuration of Ag Nanocubes into Tunable Two-Dimensional Metasurfaces

Current plasmonic metasurfaces of nanocubes are limited to planar configurations, restricting the ability to create tailored local electromagnetic fields. Here, we report a new chemical strategy to achieve tunable metasurfaces with nonplanar nanocube orientations, creating novel lattice-dependent field localization patterns. We manipulate the interfacial behaviors of Ag nanocubes by controlling the ratio of hydrophilic/hydrophobic molecules added in a binary thiol mixture during the surface functionalization step. The nanocube orientation at an oil/water interface can consequently be continuously tuned from planar to tilted and standing configurations, leading to the organization of Ag nanocubes into three unique large-area metacrystals, including square close-packed, linear, and hexagonal lattices. In particular, the linear and hexagonal metacrystals are unusual open lattices comprising nonplanar nanocubes, creating unique local electromagnetic field distribution patterns. Large-area "hot hexagons" with significant delocalization of hot spots form in the hexagonal metacrystal. With a lowest packing density of 24%, the hexagonal metacrystal generates nearly 350-fold stronger surface-enhanced Raman scattering as compared to the other denser-packing metacrystals, demonstrating the importance of achieving control over the geometrical and spatial orientation of the nanocubes in the metacrystals.

Order/Disorder Dynamics in a Dodecanethiol-Capped Gold Nanoparticles Supracrystal by Small-Angle Ultrafast Electron Diffraction

The design and the characterization of functionalized gold nanoparticles supracrystals require atomically resolved information on both the metallic core and the external organic ligand shell. At present, there is no known approach to characterize simultaneously the static local order of the ligands and of the nanoparticles, nor their dynamical evolution. In this work, we apply femtosecond small-angle electron diffraction combined with angular cross-correlation analysis, to retrieve the local arrangement from nanometer to interatomic scales in glassy aggregates. With this technique we study a two-dimensional distribution of functionalized gold nanoparticles deposited on amorphous carbon. We show that the dodecanethiol ligand chains, coating the gold cores, order in a preferential orientation on the nanoparticle surface and throughout the supracrystal. Furthermore, we retrieve the dynamics of the supracrystal upon excitation with light and show that the positional disorder is induced by light pulses, while its overall homogeneity is surprisingly found to transiently increase. This new technique will enable the systematic investigation of the static and dynamical structural properties of nanoassembled materials containing light elements, relevant for several applications including signal processing and biology.

Solid-State NMR Characterization of Mixed Phosphonic Acid Ligand Binding and Organization on Silica Nanoparticles

As ligand functionalization of nanomaterials becomes more complex, methods to characterize the organization of multiple ligands on surfaces is required. In an effort to further the understanding of ligand-surface interactions, a combination of multinuclear ((1)H, (29)Si, (31)P) and multidimensional solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques was utilized to characterize the phosphonic acid functionalization of fumed silica nanoparticles using methylphosphonic acid (MPA) and phenylphosphonic acid (PPA). (1)H → (29)Si cross-polarization (CP)-magic angle spinning (MAS) solid-state NMR was used to selectively detect silicon atoms near hydrogen atoms (primarily surface species); these results indicate that geminal silanols are preferentially depleted during the functionalization with phosphonic acids. (1)H → (31)P CP-MAS solid-state NMR measurements on the functionalized silica nanoparticles show three distinct resonances shifted upfield (lower ppm) and broadened compared to the resonances of the crystalline ligands. Quantitative (31)P MAS solid-state NMR measurements indicate that ligands favor a monodentate binding mode. When fumed silica nanoparticles were functionalized with an equal molar ratio of MPA and PPA, the MPA bound the nanoparticle surface preferentially. Cross-peaks apparent in the 2D (1)H exchange spectroscopy (EXSY) NMR measurements of the multiligand sample at short mixing times indicate that the MPA and PPA are spatially close (≤5 Å) on the surface of the nanostructure. Furthermore, (1)H-(1)H double quantum-single quantum (DQ-SQ) back-to-back (BABA) 2D NMR spectra further confirmed that MPA and PPA are strongly dipolar coupled with observation of DQ intermolecular contacts between the ligands. DQ experimental buildup curves and simulations indicate that the average distance between MPA and PPA is no further than 4.2 ± 0.2 Å.

Design of artificial membrane transporters from gold nanoparticles with controllable hydrophobicity

Gold nanoparticles with variable hydrophobicity have been prepared in three different size regimes following established methods. The control of hydrophobicity was achieved by complexation of the 18-crown-6-CH₂-thiolate ligand shell with potassium ions. Potassium dependent phase transfer of these particles from dispersion in water to chloroform was demonstrated, and the equilibrium partitioning of the particles in water–chloroform liquid/liquid systems was quantified by optical spectroscopy. The gradual complexation of the ligand shell with potassium ions was further monitored by zeta potential measurements. Potassium dependent insertion of nanoparticles into the phospholipid bilayer membrane of vesicles in aqueous dispersion has been demonstrated by cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM). Nanoparticle-dependent potassium ion transport across the vesicle membrane has been established by monitoring the membrane potential with fluorescence spectroscopy using a potential sensitive dye.

Response to "Critical Assessment of the Evidence for Striped Nanoparticles"

Stirling et al., (10.1371/journal.pone.0108482) presented an analysis on some of our publications on the formation of stripe-like domains on mixed-ligand coated gold nanoparticles. The authors shed doubts on some of our results however no valid argument is provided against what we have shown since our first publication: scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) images of striped nanoparticles show stripe-like domains that are independent of imaging parameters and in particular of imaging speed. We have consistently ruled out the presence of artifacts by comparing sets of images acquired at different tip speeds, finding invariance of the stipe-like domains. Stirling and co-workers incorrectly analyzed this key control, using a different microscope and imaging conditions that do not compare to ours. We show here data proving that our approach is rigorous. Furthermore, we never solely relied on image analysis to draw our conclusions; we have always used the chemical nature of the particles to assess the veracity of our images. Stirling et al. do not provide any justification for the spacing of the features that we find on nanoparticles: ~1 nm for mixed ligand particles and ~ 0.5 nm for homoligand particles. Hence our two central arguments remain unmodified: independence from imaging parameters and dependence on ligand shell chemical composition. The paper report observations on our STM images; none is a sufficient condition to prove that our images are artifacts. We thoroughly addressed issues related to STM artifacts throughout our microscopy work. Stirling et al. provide guidelines for what they consider good STM images of nanoparticles, such images are indeed present in our literature. They conclude that the evidences we provided to date are insufficient, this is a departure from one of the authors’ previous article which concluded that our images were composed of artifacts. Given that four independent laboratories have reproduced our measurements and that no scientifically rigorous argument is presented to invalidate our STM images, and also given that Stirling et al. do not contest the quality of our recent STM images, we re-affirm that specific binary mixture of ligands spontaneously form features in their ligand shell that we describe as stripe-like domains ~1 nm in width.

A Thermodynamics Model for the Emergence of a Stripe-like Binary SAM on a Nanoparticle Surface

It has been under debate if a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) with two immiscible ligands of different chain lengths and/or bulkiness can form a stripe-like pattern on a nanoparticle (NP) surface. The entropic gain upon such pattern formation due to difference in chain lengths and/or bulkiness has been proposed as the driving force in literature. Using atomistic discrete molecular dynamics simulations it is shown that stripe-like pattern could indeed emerge, but only for a subset of binary SAM systems. In addition to entropic contributions, the formation of a striped pattern also strongly depends upon interligand interactions governed by the physicochemical properties of the ligand constituents. Due to the interplay between entropy and enthalpy, a binary SAM system can be categorized into three different types depending on whether and under what condition a striped pattern can emerge. The results help clarify the ongoing debate and our proposed principle can aid in the engineering of novel binary SAMs on a NP surface.

Supramolecular tailoring of protein-nanoparticle interactions using cucurbituril mediators

Supramolecular modification of nanoparticle surfaces through threading of cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) onto surface ligands is used to regulate protein-nanoparticle interactions.

Contact angle and adsorption energies of nanoparticles at the air-liquid interface determined by neutron reflectivity and molecular dynamics

Understanding how nanomaterials interact with interfaces is essential to control their self-assembly as well as their optical, electronic, and catalytic properties. We present here an experimental approach based on neutron reflectivity (NR) that allows the in situ measurement of the contact angles of nanoparticles adsorbed at fluid interfaces. Because our method provides a route to quantify the adsorption and interfacial energies of the nanoparticles in situ, it circumvents problems associated with existing indirect methods, which rely on the transport of the monolayers to substrates for further analysis. We illustrate the method by measuring the contact angle of hydrophilic and hydrophobic gold nanoparticles, coated with perdeuterated octanethiol (d-OT) and with a mixture of d-OT and mercaptohexanol (MHol), respectively. The contact angles were also calculated via atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) computations, showing excellent agreement with the experimental data. Our method opens the route to quantify the adsorption of complex nanoparticle structures adsorbed at fluid interfaces featuring different chemical compositions.

A template-confined fabrication of controllable gold nanoparticles based on the two-dimensional nanostructure of macrocycles

An amine-substituted macrocycle 6Y, a rigid hexagonal ring, self-assembled into a network architecture on the surface, which could be used as a molecular template to directly fabricate gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with narrow size distribution (2.2 ± 0.1 nm).

Nanoparticle characterization based on STM and STS

Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS) can characterize intriguing nanoparticle properties towards solid-state nanodevices.

Tailoring recognition clefts from non-specific recognition matrices in mixed molecular arrays

Multi-component organic interfaces with molecular-level mixing were prepared by integrating benzoic acid appended thiophene amphiphile [4-(6-(thiophene-3-carbonyloxy)hexyloxy)benzoic acid] (T6BA) and (±)-α-lipoic acid onto the Au surface. On a flat surface with infinite radii of curvature, T6BA and (±)-α-lipoic acid, endowed with chemically distinct end-groups, provided sufficient length mismatch to gain conformational entropy leading to stripe-like patterns when the immiscible ligands co-adsorbed. Good quality multi-component organic interfaces and molecular islands could be fabricated via composition variation of the participating ligands. Host-guest chemistry between benzoic acids and β-cyclodextrin was used to confirm the molecular-level mixing. T6BA and (±)-α-lipoic acid, each being a non-specific recognition matrix for dopamine, could thus be organized into mixed molecular arrays having well defined cavities for guest inclusion. This mixed molecular array behaved as a 'recognition matrix' for dopamine (DA, 15 nm) in the presence of ascorbic acid (AA). The surface patterns described here on a flat surface should in principle be applicable to other geometrical structures like spheres and cylinders. Further, charge transfer through the T6BA self-assembled monolayers depended on the anion type present in the supporting electrolyte, monitored through cyclic voltammetry.

Critical assessment of the evidence for striped nanoparticles

There is now a significant body of literature which reports that stripes form in the ligand shell of suitably functionalised Au nanoparticles. This stripe morphology has been proposed to strongly affect the physicochemical and biochemical properties of the particles. We critique the published evidence for striped nanoparticles in detail, with a particular focus on the interpretation of scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) data (as this is the only technique which ostensibly provides direct evidence for the presence of stripes). Through a combination of an exhaustive re-analysis of the original data, in addition to new experimental measurements of a simple control sample comprising entirely unfunctionalised particles, we show that all of the STM evidence for striped nanoparticles published to date can instead be explained by a combination of well-known instrumental artefacts, or by issues with data acquisition/analysis protocols. We also critically re-examine the evidence for the presence of ligand stripes which has been claimed to have been found from transmission electron microscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, small angle neutron scattering experiments, and computer simulations. Although these data can indeed be interpreted in terms of stripe formation, we show that the reported results can alternatively be explained as arising from a combination of instrumental artefacts and inadequate data analysis techniques.

Comparative STM studies of mixed ligand monolayers on gold nanoparticles in air and in 1-phenyloctane

Scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM) studies have found stripe-like domains on gold nanoparticles (NPs) coated with certain binary mixtures of ligand molecules. The majority of these NPs' properties have been investigated for particles in solvents. Yet, most STM studies are for NPs in a dry state. Images of the same particles in air and liquid have not been obtained yet. In this work, a judicious choice of ligand molecules led to NPs with close-to-ideal STM imaging conditions in air and in 1-phenyloctane (PO). Large datasets under both conditions were acquired and rapidly evaluated through power spectral density (PSD) analysis. The result is a quantitative comparison of stripe-like domains in air and PO on the same NPs. PSD analysis determines a characteristic length-scale for these domains of ~1.0 nm in air and in PO showing persistence of striped domains in these two media. A length scale of ~0.7 nm for homoligand NPs was found.

Techniques for physicochemical characterization of nanomaterials

Advances in nanotechnology have opened up a new era of diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases and traumatic injuries. Nanomaterials, including those with potential for clinical applications, possess novel physicochemical properties that have an impact on their physiological interactions, from the molecular level to the systemic level. There is a lack of standardized methodologies or regulatory protocols for detection or characterization of nanomaterials. This review summarizes the techniques that are commonly used to study the size, shape, surface properties, composition, purity and stability of nanomaterials, along with their advantages and disadvantages. At present there are no FDA guidelines that have been developed specifically for nanomaterial based formulations for diagnostic or therapeutic use. There is an urgent need for standardized protocols and procedures for the characterization of nanoparticles, especially those that are intended for use as theranostics.

A general mechanism for intracellular toxicity of metal-containing nanoparticles

The assessment of the risks exerted by nanoparticles is a key challenge for academic, industrial, and regulatory communities worldwide. Experimental evidence points towards significant toxicity for a range of nanoparticles both in vitro and in vivo. Worldwide efforts aim at uncovering the underlying mechanisms for this toxicity. Here, we show that the intracellular ion release elicited by the acidic conditions of the lysosomal cellular compartment--where particles are abundantly internalized--is responsible for the cascading events associated with nanoparticles-induced intracellular toxicity. We call this mechanism a "lysosome-enhanced Trojan horse effect" since, in the case of nanoparticles, the protective cellular machinery designed to degrade foreign objects is actually responsible for their toxicity. To test our hypothesis, we compare the toxicity of similar gold particles whose main difference is in the internalization pathways. We show that particles known to pass directly through cell membranes become more toxic when modified so as to be mostly internalized by endocytosis. Furthermore, using experiments with chelating and lysosomotropic agents, we found that the toxicity mechanism for different metal containing NPs (such as metallic, metal oxide, and semiconductor NPs) is mainly associated with the release of the corresponding toxic ions. Finally, we show that particles unable to release toxic ions (such as stably coated NPs, or diamond and silica NPs) are not harmful to intracellular environments.