Summary
This protocol describes the use of Asymmetrical Flow Field-Flow Fractionation coupled with UV-vis detection for the determination of the size of an unknown gold nanoparticle sample.
Abstract
Particle size is arguably the most important physico-chemical parameter associated with the notion of a nanoparticle. Precise knowledge of the size and size distribution of nanoparticles is of utmost importance for various applications. The size range is also important, as it defines the most “active” component of a nanoparticle dose.
Asymmetrical Flow Field-Flow Fractionation (AF4) is a powerful technique for sizing of particles in suspension in the size range of approximately 1–1000 nm. There are several ways to derive size information from an AF4 experiment. Besides coupling AF4 online with size-sensitive detectors based on the principles of Multi-Angle Light Scattering or Dynamic Light Scattering, there is also the possibility to correlate the size of a sample with its retention time using a well-established theoretical approach (FFF theory) or by comparing it with the retention times of well-defined particle size standards (external size calibration).
We here describe the development and in-house validation of a standard operating procedure (SOP) for sizing of an unknown gold nanoparticle sample by AF4 coupled with UV-vis detection using external size calibration with gold nanoparticle standards in the size range of 20–100 nm. This procedure provides a detailed description of the developed workflow including sample preparation, AF4 instrument setup and qualification, AF4 method development and fractionation of the unknown gold nanoparticle sample, as well as the correlation of the obtained results with the established external size calibration. The SOP described here was eventually successfully validated in the frame of an interlaboratory comparison study highlighting the excellent robustness and reliability of AF4 for sizing of nanoparticulate samples in suspension.
Introduction
Gold nanoparticles (AuNP) in the form of colloidal gold had been a part of human culture long before there was an understanding of what nanoparticles were and before the term nanoparticle had found its way into contemporary, scientific vocabulary. Without distinct knowledge of their nanoscale appearance, suspended AuNP had already been used for medical and other purposes in ancient China, Arabia, and India in the V–VI centuries BC1, and also the ancient Romans took advantage of their ruby red color to famously stain their pottery in the Lycurgus Cup exhibit in the British Museum2. In the western world, throughout the centuries from the Middle Ages to the Modern Era, suspended AuNP were predominantly used as coloring agents for glass and enamel (Purple of Cassius)3 as well as to treat a variety of diseases (Potable Gold), especially syphilis4.
However, all these studies had primarily focused on the application of suspended AuNP and it was up to Michael Faraday in 1857 to introduce the first rational approach to investigate their formation, their nature as well as their properties5. Although Faraday was already aware that these AuNP must have very minute dimensions, it was not until the development of electron microscopy when explicit information about their size distribution was accessible6,7, eventually enabling the correlation between size and other AuNP properties.
Nowadays, thanks to their fairly easy and straightforward synthesis, remarkable optical properties (surface plasmon resonance), good chemical stability and thus minor toxicity as well as their high versatility in terms of available sizes and surface modifications, AuNP have found widespread applications in fields such as nanoelectronics8, diagnostics9, cancer therapy10, or drug delivery11. Obviously, for these applications, precise knowledge of the size and size distribution of the applied AuNP is a fundamental prerequisite to ensure optimum efficacy12 and there is a substantial demand for robust and reliable tools to determine this crucial physico-chemical parameter. Today, there is a plethora of analytical techniques capable of sizing AuNP in suspension including, for example, UV-vis Spectroscopy (UV-vis)13, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS)14 or Single Particle Inductively-Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (spICP-MS)15 with Field-Flow Fractionation (FFF) being a key player in this field16,17,18,19,20.
First conceptualized in 1966 by J. Calvin Giddings21, FFF comprises a family of elution-based fractionation techniques, where separation takes place within a thin, ribbon-like channel without a stationary phase22,23. In FFF, separation is induced by the interaction of a sample with an external force field that acts perpendicular to the direction of a laminar channel flow, in which the sample is transported downstream usually toward respective in-line detectors. Among these related FFF-techniques, Asymmetrical Flow Field-Flow Fractionation (AF4), where a second flow (cross flow) acts as the force field, has become the most widely-used subtype24. In AF4, the channel bottom (accumulation wall) is equipped with a semipermeable ultrafiltration membrane that is able to retain the sample while simultaneously allowing the cross flow to pass through the membrane and leave the channel via an extra outlet. By this means, the cross flow can push the sample towards the accumulation wall thereby counteracting its diffusion-induced flux (Brownian motion). In a resulting equilibrium of field- and diffusion-induced fluxes; smaller sample constituents exhibiting higher diffusion coefficients align closer to the channel center while larger sample constituents exhibiting lower diffusion coefficients locate closer to the accumulation wall. Due to the parabolic flow profile inside the channel, smaller sample constituents are therefore transported in the faster laminae of the channel flow and elute before larger sample constituents. Using FFF retention parameter and Stokes-Einstein diffusion coefficient equations, the elution time and, respectively elution volume, of a sample in AF4 can then be directly translated into its hydrodynamic size22. Here the described elution behavior refers to the normal elution mode and is usually valid for AF4 within a particle size range between approximately 1–500 nm (sometimes up to 2000 nm depending on particle properties and fractionation parameters) whereas steric-hyperlayer elution usually occurs above this size threshold25.
There are three common ways to derive size information after separation by FFF. Since FFF is a modular instrument, it can be combined downstream with multiple detectors such as size-sensitive light scattering detectors based on the principle of Multi-Angle Light Scattering (MALS)26,27, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS)28,29, or even a combination of both to gain additional shape information30,31. However, since the retention behavior of a sample in an FFF-channel is generally governed by well-defined physical forces, size can also be calculated using a mathematical approach (FFF theory), where a simple concentration detector (e.g., a UV-vis detector) is sufficient to indicate the presence of an eluting sample32,33.
As a third option, we here report the application of an external size calibration34,35 using well-defined AuNP standards in the size range of 20–100 nm for sizing of an unknown gold nanoparticle sample in suspension using AF4 coupled with UV-vis detection. This simple experimental setup was chosen on purpose to allow as many laboratories as possible to join an international interlaboratory comparison (ILC), which was later performed in the frame of the European Union Horizon 2020 project ACEnano based on the protocol presented here.
Protocol
1. AF4 system setup
- Assemble the AF4 cartridge and connect all hardware components of the AF4 system and the UV-vis detector (Table of Materials) following the instructions given in the manufacturer’s manual.
- Install all necessary software packages for control, data acquisition, processing and evaluation following the instructions given in the manufacturer’s manual.
- Ensure that all necessary signal connections between the AF4 system and the UV-vis detector have been established.
- Ensure that the established AF4-UV-vis connections are tight and without leakages by flushing the setup with ultrapure water (UPW) for 15 min (tip flow rate 1 mL∙min-1, focus flow rate 1 mL∙min-1, and cross flow rate 1.5 mL∙min-1). To do so, open the AF4 control software and enter the flow rates into the respective panels on the right upper side of the landing page. Tighten the respective connectors (fittings), if necessary, and repeat the procedure until no leakages are observable.
NOTE: The internal system pressure during all measurements should be monitored and must be within 4 to 12 bar. In case the pressure is higher or lower, the backpressure tubing needs to be adjusted. Furthermore, the channel pressure trend should be constant over the complete measurement time.
NOTE: If a channel oven is available, set its temperature to 25 °C to ensure comparable measurement conditions throughout all AF4 experiments.
2. Preparation of solutions and suspensions for AF4-UV-vis system qualification and sample analysis
- Cleaning solution
- Add 8 g of solid sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and 2 g of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) to 1 L of UPW and stir the solution until total dissolution.
- Eluent
- Add 500 μL of filtered surfactant mixture to 2 L of filtered and degassed UPW to obtain the eluent (0.025% (v/v), pH around 9.4).
NOTE: A detailed description of the compounds of the surfactant mixture is given in Table 1 (also Table of Materials).
- Add 500 μL of filtered surfactant mixture to 2 L of filtered and degassed UPW to obtain the eluent (0.025% (v/v), pH around 9.4).
- Arbitrary AuNP size standard for mass recovery determination
- Vortex an arbitrary AuNP size standard (50 mg∙L-1) for 2 min and dilute it 1:4 with UPW to obtain a final mass concentration of 12.5 mg∙L-1. Vortex for additional 2 min after dilution to homogenize the obtained suspension.
CAUTION: Necessary precautionary measures and suitable protective equipment are required when working with chemicals, especially NaOH pellets.
NOTE: It is generally recommended to de-gas and filter all necessary solutions (except for the cleaning solution) using a 0.1 µm membrane filter (hydrophilic PVDF or similar) to ensure low particle backgrounds during AF4-UV-vis-experiments. This can be established by either a dedicated vacuum filtration unit or by using syringe filters.
- Vortex an arbitrary AuNP size standard (50 mg∙L-1) for 2 min and dilute it 1:4 with UPW to obtain a final mass concentration of 12.5 mg∙L-1. Vortex for additional 2 min after dilution to homogenize the obtained suspension.
3. AF4-UV-vis system qualification
- Use the software settings described in step 1.4 to flush the system with the cleaning solution for 30 min (Tip flow rate 1 mL∙min-1, Focus flow rate 1 mL∙min-1, and Cross flow rate 1.5 mL∙min-1).
- Change the respective eluent bottle and flush the system with UPW for 20 min (Tip flow rate 1 mL∙min-1, Focus flow rate 1 mL∙min-1, and Cross flow rate 1.5 mL∙min-1).
- Replace the respective inline pump filters.
- Open the AF4 cartridge and replace the AF4 membrane. Reassemble the AF4 cartridge and reconnect it with the AF4-UV-vis system.
- Flush the cleaned AF4-UV-vis system with the eluent for at least 30 min in order to equilibrate the membrane and stabilize the system (Tip flow rate 1 mL∙min-1, Focus flow rate 1 mL∙min-1, and Cross flow rate 1.5 mL∙min-1). Check for potential leakages again (see step 1.4).
- Qualify the AF4-UV-vis system by determining the mass recovery and variation of retention time using an arbitrary AuNP size standard.
- Perform a direct injection run without application of a separation force.
- Create a new measurement file by opening File | New | Run in the AF4 control software.
- Define the sample and measurement description as well as injection volume and sample name within the Run tab. The measurement conditions are displayed in Table 2.
- Set the measurement parameters in the second tab FFF method according to Table 2.
- Click on the Run button to start the measurement.
- Perform a fractionation run with application of a separation force (Cross flow).
- Define the fractionation method as described in the previous section using the fractionation conditions specified in Table 3.
- Click on the Run button to start the measurement.
- Perform the measurement in quadruplicate.
NOTE: The first run aims at conditioning the system (i.e., the AF4 membrane) and will be excluded from the final evaluation of the system qualification results.
NOTE: It is recommended to save all generated run files by opening File | Save in the AF4 control software. - Consider the AF4-UV-vis-system qualified if a mass recovery of >80% and a variation of retention time <2% is obtained for the arbitrary AuNP size standard.
- When using an autosampler as the injection system, fill the autosampler’s needle washing reservoir bottle with the same solution that is pumped through the AF4-UV-vis system (e.g., cleaning solution, UPW, or respective eluent) to ensure optimum run conditions. When changing the eluent, it is generally recommended to follow the re-equilibration of the AF4-system by monitoring the UV-vis-detector signal until its baseline remains stable on a constant level.
- Perform a direct injection run without application of a separation force.
4. AF4-UV-vis sample analysis
- Prepare all AuNP size standards for external size calibration by vortexing the respective AuNP suspension (20 nm, 40 nm, 80 nm, 100 nm, each 50 mg.L-1) for 2 min and dilute it 1:4 with UPW to obtain a final mass concentration of 12.5 mg∙L-1. Vortex for additional 2 min after dilution to homogenize the obtained suspensions.
- Prepare the unknown AuNP sample for analysis applying the same procedure as for the calibration standards described in step 4.1.
- Perform a direct injection measurement of all AuNP size standards using the AF4 method displayed in Table 2.
- To do so, enter the respective values summarized in Table 2 into the manufacturer’s software at the appropriate positions to define the separation and sample parameters and press the Run button to start the experiment.
- Fractionate each AuNP size standard individually using the AF4 method displayed in Table 3 to establish the external size calibration function.
- Enter the respective values summarized in Table 3 into the manufacturer’s software at the appropriate positions. The fractionation method is defined by a focusing step, several elution steps, and a rinse step. After setting up the method, press the Run button to start the experiment.
- Perform a direct injection measurement of the unknown AuNP sample using the AF4 method displayed in Table 2.
- Perform the fractionation of the unknown AuNP sample by conducting the AF4 method listed in Table 3.
- Carry out all measurements mentioned in Section 3 and 4 in triplicate unless stated otherwise to ensure meaningful and statistically relevant results.
- Store 50 mg∙L-1 AuNP stock suspensions at 4–8 °C before use. Diluted AuNP suspensions are ideally prepared within 30 min prior to application.
NOTE: Vortexing is usually sufficient and no ultrasonication of the suspensions is necessary. - In order to enable a correlation of the retention time of the unknown AuNP sample with the retention times obtained for the AuNP size standards, measure all samples using the same AF4 method.
NOTE: To assure constant and valid separation conditions, include/repeat the fractionation step described in the system qualification section (see step 3.6.2) after a defined number of sample measurements (e.g., 10 measurements). In addition, record system pressure and UV-vis detector baseline stability. They should remain stable and constant along a complete AF4-UV-vis run.
NOTE: Usually, replace the ultrafiltration membrane when the UV-vis detector (or Multi Angle Light Scattering (MALS) detector, if available) shows an increased noise level or the defined system qualification criteria such as recovery, sample peak shape, or repeatability are missed (or the AF4-UV-vis-system was subjected to a thorough cleaning procedure). Under the conditions described here, the qualified AF4-UV-vis system is usually stable for at least 50 measurements using the same membrane; however, the number of possible consecutive measurements meeting the defined quality criteria can vary significantly depending on sample, sample matrix, and eluent composition.
- Store 50 mg∙L-1 AuNP stock suspensions at 4–8 °C before use. Diluted AuNP suspensions are ideally prepared within 30 min prior to application.
5. Data evaluation
- Perform the mass recovery calculation using either data evaluation software provided by the AF4-UV-vis system manufacturer or spreadsheet analysis after export of all necessary raw data (i.e., UV-vis peak area) from the respective data acquisition software following the instructions given in the manufacturer’s manual.
- Calculate the AuNP mass recovery by comparing the areas under the respective UV-vis peaks of the fractionation measurement (Afractionation) and the direct injection measurement (Adirect injection) using the following equation:
NOTE: During a direct injection measurement, no separation force is applied, and therefore potential interactions of an analyte species with the accumulation wall can be neglected. The area under a respective UV-vis peak can be directly correlated to the AuNP mass using Beer-Lambert law assuming that no other species within the sample absorbs at the respective wavelength and/or i) elutes at another retention time under fractionation conditions ii) is removed through the AF4 membrane. - Import the dat. files obtained from both the direct injection and the fractionation run.
- Select the UV-vis detector trace in the Overview tab.
- Define a Region of Interest (ROI) and a baseline in the signal and baseline view for all measurements.
- Insert a Direct Injection Calibration via Insert.
- Select all direct injection runs in the Direct Injection Calibration Settings view and enter a UV extinction coefficient.
NOTE: It is important to use the same UV-vis extinction coefficient for both the calibration and the fractionation measurement. - Establish the calibration line using the area under the UV-vis signal trace within the ROI and the injected amount calculated from the entered concentration and the injection volume. The obtained calibration will be shown in the separate Direct Injection Calibration Function window.
- Assign the calibration function to the respective fractionation measurements.
NOTE: For each calibration size standard and the unknown AuNP sample, a separate calibration function needs to be established due to the size dependent UV-vis absorbance of AuNP. This drawback of the UV-vis detector can be circumvented using a mass-sensitive detector such as an ICP-MS. - Perform the analyses by inserting a Quantitative Results calculation and the results will be displayed within a table on the right as concentration and injected amount values.
- Calculate the AuNP mass recovery by comparing the areas under the respective UV-vis peaks of the fractionation measurement (Afractionation) and the direct injection measurement (Adirect injection) using the following equation:
- Calculate the variation of retention time using either data evaluation software provided by the AF4 system manufacturer or spreadsheet analysis after export of all the necessary raw data (i.e., retention times of the AuNP calibration standards at the respective UV-vis peak maxima and respective void times) from the respective data acquisition software following the instructions given in the manufacturer’s manual.
- Open the Overview window to display the respective UV traces for all imported measurements.
- The peak detection will be performed automatically; adjust the peak detection parameters within the signal processing toolbox to optimize the performance. Extract the respective peak maxima by going through all measurement files.
- Calculate the relative standard deviation for all measurements using the following equation:
The calculation can also be performed using a respective spreadsheet software.
- Perform size determination using either data evaluation software provided by the manufacturer or spreadsheet analysis after export of all the necessary raw data (retention time at UV-vis peak maximum of analyte and respective void time) from the respective data acquisition software following the instructions given in the manufacturer’s manual. An external size calibration function can be established by plotting the void time corrected retention times (net retention times, see Table 5) of the AuNP size standards (20 nm, 40 nm, 80 nm, 100 nm) against their hydrodynamic sizes obtained from previously performed DLS measurements (see Table 4).
NOTE: The DLS measurements should be conducted ideally on the same day as the respective fractionation measurements to ensure comparable sample properties.- After importing the .dat files all measurements are displayed in the Overview tab. Select the UV-vis detector signal from the detectors list, which is displayed below the overlay window. Define a ROI and baseline for each measurement, which can be adjusted in the Signal and Baseline view. Use the Signal processing toolbox on the right to smooth noisy signals. Use the Assign Processing Parameters to other Runs function to allow the parameters to be allocated to other measurements, respectively signals.
- Select the Particle Size Calibration from the Insert tab.
- Select all calibration runs by clicking on the respective measurement in the Select References for Calibration table on the upper right side. All selected measurements will be displayed in a table below. Enter the hydrodynamic radius for all calibration measurements that are specified in Table 4. The function will be displayed in the Particle size calibration – Function window and the equation will be shown as well.
NOTE: The correlation coefficient (R2) of the established size calibration function must be ≥0.990. - Assign the calibration function to the measurements of the unknown AuNP sample by selecting the respective fractionations within the Select Runs for Assignment list.
- Display the results by opening a particle size distribution calculation within the insert tab. The previously created particle size calibration will be listed as the Calibration for the unknown AuNP sample measurements, which is displayed in the right window settings. The calculated size will be shown in the size distribution window labeled to the peak maximum. Select the Average Signals for Sample checkbox to average all measurements of one sample and list the result in the peak maximum label.
- Additionally, plot the calibration line over the fractogram by selecting the Show calibration curve checkbox. A cumulative size distribution is available by selecting the Show cumulative distribution checkbox.
NOTE: When using manufacturer’s software for data evaluation, it is recommended to add all results to a report, which can be generated by clicking on Report inside the Insert tab. The Report button adds all results, tables, and diagrams to a document. Under the Report tab, the report settings can be changed by opening Report setup within the Document section.
Representative Results
First, the AuNP size standards were fractionated by AF4 and detected by UV-vis measuring the absorbance of the AuNP at a wavelength of 532 nm (surface plasmon resonance of AuNP). An overlay of the obtained fractograms is presented in Figure 1. The retention times of each AuNP at its respective UV-vis peak maximum obtained from triplicate measurements are listed in Table 5. The relative standard deviation of all retention times was below 1.1% with a decreasing measurement variance with increasing size. Overall, an excellent repeatability was achieved. A constant separation force was applied, which resulted in a linear relationship of elution time and hydrodynamic size. The external size calibration line was established by plotting the specified hydrodynamic radius against the void time corrected elution time (net retention time). A linear regression analysis resulted in a linear calibration function with an intercept a = -3.373 nm ± 1.716 nm and a slope b = 1.209 nm∙min-1 ± 0.055 nm∙min-1. The linear behavior of the elution was confirmed with a squared correlation coefficient R2 of 0.9958. The respective calibration function is visually displayed in Figure 2.
The second part dealt with the analysis of the unknown AuNP sample. Three aliquots of the sample were prepared according to the procedure described in the protocol section (section 4.2). Each of the three aliquots was investigated in triplicate using the same AF4 fractionation method that was also applied for the AuNP size standards. All the nine AF4-UV-vis fractograms that were obtained of the unknown AuNP sample are presented in Figure 3 and their respective evaluations are summarized in Table 6. The relative standard deviation of the respective retention times was significantly low and ranged between 0.1% and 0.5%. Using the particle size calibration function obtained from the fractionation of the AuNP size standards and correlating it with the obtained retention times of the unknown AuNP sample at the UV-vis peak maximum, an overall average hydrodynamic radius of 29.4 nm ± 0.2 nm could be calculated. Furthermore, a reasonable mass recovery of 83.1% ± 1.2% was obtained indicating no significant agglomeration or dissolution of the AuNP sample or considerable adsorption of particles onto the membrane surface. Figure 4 displays the obtained particle size distribution with all nine UV-vis signal traces averaged highlighting the excellent robustness of the applied AF4 method.
Figure 1: AF4-UV-vis fractograms obtained from triplicate analysis of the four individual AuNP size calibration standards with normalized signal intensities and applied constant cross flow rate (black line). The void peak is highlighted in gray at around 5.9 min. Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.
Figure 2: Obtained external size calibration function, including error bars derived from the respective standard deviations of the DLS measurements (Table 4) and variances in the obtained AF4 retention times (Table 5), after plotting the specified hydrodynamic radius against the retention time of each individual AuNP size calibration standard at its respective peak maximum. A linear calibration function with standard errors in the form of y = a + bx with a = -3.373 nm ± 1.716 nm and b = 1.209 nm·min-1 ± 0.055 nm·min-1 was calculated from a linear regression analysis. A squared correlation coefficient with R2 = 0.9958 was determined, indicating a linear relationship. Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.
Figure 3: AF4-UV-vis fractograms of triplicate measurements of three aliquots displaying the unknown AuNP. The applied constant cross flow rate over the measurement time is illustrated as a black line. The void peak at around 5.9 min is highlighted in gray. Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.
Figure 4: Overlay of the obtained average particle size distribution (red) of the unknown AuNP sample and the applied linear calibration function (dotted line). Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.
| Component | CAS-No | Weight (%) | |
| Water | 7732-18-5 | 88.8 | |
| 9-Octadecenoic acid (Z)-, compound with 2,2',2''-nitrilotris[ethanol](1:1) | 2717-15-9 | 3.8 | |
| Sodium carbonate | 497-19-8 | 2.7 | |
| Alcohols, C12-14-secondary, ethoxylated | 84133-50-6 | 1.8 | |
| Tetrasodium EDTA | 64-02-8 | 1.4 | |
| Polyethylene glycol | 25322-68-3 | 0.9 | |
| Sodium oleate | 143-19-1 | 0.5 | |
| Sodium bicarbonate | 144-55-8 | 0.1 | |
Table 1: List of the components of the surfactant mixture used to prepare the eluent (see also Table of Materials).
| AF4-UV-vis parameters | Unit | Value |
| Spacer thickness | µm | 350 |
| Detector flow rate | mL min-1 | 0.5 |
| Cross flow rate | mL min-1 | 0 (constant for 8 min) |
| Focus flow rate | mL min-1 | 0 |
| Delay time / stabilization time | min | 0 |
| Injection flow rate | mL min-1 | 0.5 |
| Transition time | min | 0 |
| Injection time | min | 0.1 |
| Elution step | min | 8 |
| Rinse step time | min | 0.1 |
| Rinse step flow rate | mL min-1 | 0.1 |
| Injection volume | µL | 10 |
| Sample concentration | mg L-1 | 12.5 |
| Membrane type | Regenerated cellulose | |
| Membrane molecular weight cut-off | kDa | 10 |
| Eluent | 0.025% (v/v) surfactant mixture | |
| UV-vis wavelength | nm | 532 |
| UV-vis sensitivity | - | 0.001 |
Table 2: Summary of the AF4-UV-vis fractionation method parameters to perform the direct injection run without application of a separation force.
| AF4-UV-vis parameters | Unit | Value |
| Spacer thickness | µm | 350 |
| Detector flow rate | mL min-1 | 0.5 |
| Cross flow rate | mL min-1 | 1 (60 min constant, 10 min linear) |
| Focus flow rate | mL min-1 | 1.3 |
| Delay time / stabilization time | min | 2 |
| Injection flow rate | mL min-1 | 0.2 |
| Transition time | min | 0.2 |
| Injection time | min | 5 |
| Elution step | min | 70 (60 min constant, 10 min linear) |
| Rinse step | min | 9 |
| Rinse step flow rate | mL min-1 | 0.5 |
| Injection volume | µL | 50 |
| Sample concentration | mg L-1 | 12.5 |
| Membrane type | Regenerated cellulose | |
| Membrane molecular weight cut-off | kDa | 10 |
| Eluent | 0.025% (v/v) surfactant mixture | |
| UV-vis wavelength | nm | 532 |
| UV-vis sensitivity | - | 0.001 |
Table 3: Summary of the AF4-UV-vis fractionation method parameters to perform the fractionation run with application of a cross flow as separation force.
| Calibration standard | Capping agent | Mean Size (TEM) (nm) | CV (mean size TEM) (%) | Zeta potential (mV) | SD (zeta potential) (mV) | Hydrodynamic Radius (DLS) (nm) | SD (hydrodynamic Radius) (nm) | PDI | SD (PDI) |
| AuNP 20 nm | Citrate | 20.1 | ≤ 8 | -48.9 | 1.5 | 10.95 | 0.12 | 0.082 | 0.009 |
| AuNP 40 nm | Citrate | 40.8 | ≤ 8 | -30.4 | 1.0 | 20.30 | 0.13 | 0.127 | 0.006 |
| AuNP 80 nm | Citrate | 79.2 | ≤ 8 | -51.5 | 1.3 | 38.85 | 0.23 | 0.138 | 0.013 |
| AuNP 100 nm | Citrate | 102.2 | ≤ 8 | -50.9 | 0.9 | 52.30 | 0.37 | 0.078 | 0.009 |
Table 4: Summary of the physico-chemical parameters of the applied AuNP calibration standards, including capping agent, TEM mean size, Zeta potential determined in the native suspension as well as DLS hydrodynamic radius, and polydispersity index (PDI) determined in the eluent.
| Calibration standard | Run | Retention time at peak maximum (min) | Net retention time at peak maximum (min) | Average net retention time (min) | SD (%) (net retention time) | SD (min) (net retention time) |
| AuNP 20 nm | 1 | 17.368 | 11.468 | 11.56 | 1.02 | 0.12 |
| 2 | 17.409 | 11.509 | ||||
| 3 | 17.589 | 11.689 | ||||
| AuNP 40 nm | 1 | 25.316 | 19.416 | 19.49 | 0.68 | 0.13 |
| 2 | 25.32 | 19.42 | ||||
| 3 | 25.548 | 19.648 | ||||
| AuNP 80 nm | 1 | 42.095 | 36.195 | 36.29 | 0.23 | 0.08 |
| 2 | 42.219 | 36.319 | ||||
| 3 | 42.257 | 36.357 | ||||
| AuNP 100 nm | 1 | 50.975 | 45.075 | 45.06 | 0.07 | 0.03 |
| 2 | 50.924 | 45.024 | ||||
| 3 | 50.986 | 45.086 |
Table 5: Retention times of the AuNP calibration standards at the respective UV-Vis peak maximum derived from the respective AF4-UV-vis fractograms using the method described in Table 3.
| Aliquote | Run | Retention time peak maximum (min) | Average retention time at peak maximum (min) | Net retention time at peak maximum (min) | SD (%) retention time | Hydrodynamic radius (nm) | Recovery (%) |
| 1 | 1 | 32.689 | 32.70 | 26.789 | 0.07 | 29.03 | 85.34 |
| 2 | 32.687 | 26.787 | |||||
| 3 | 32.719 | 26.819 | |||||
| 2 | 1 | 32.989 | 33.08 | 27.089 | 0.37 | 29.49 | 81.73 |
| 2 | 33.073 | 27.173 | |||||
| 3 | 33.187 | 27.287 | |||||
| 3 | 1 | 33.053 | 33.14 | 27.153 | 0.49 | 29.56 | 82.14 |
| 2 | 33.071 | 27.171 | |||||
| 3 | 33.291 | 27.391 |
Table 6: Summary of the retention times at the respective UV-Vis peak maximum, the hydrodynamic radius calculated from the external size calibration (Figure 2) and the recovery rate of the unknown AuNP sample obtained from AF4-UV-vis analysis.
Discussion
The hydrodynamic size of an unknown AuNP was accurately assessed by AF4 coupled with an UV-vis detector using well-defined AuNP size standards ranging from 20 nm to 100 nm. The developed AF4 method was optimized using a constant cross flow profile in order to establish a linear relationship between measured retention time and AuNP size, thus allowing a straightforward size determination from linear regression analysis. Particular focus was also on achieving sufficiently high recovery rates indicating no significant sample loss during fractionation, and that the developed AF4 method, including the applied eluent and membrane matched well with all fractionated AuNP samples.
Method development is arguably the most critical step in AF4 and several parameters, including channel dimensions, flow parameters as well as eluent, membrane, spacer height, and even sample properties have to be taken into account in order to improve fractionation within a given elution time window. The purpose of this paragraph is to guide the reader through the critical steps that were optimized to successfully determine the size of the unknown AuNP sample discussed here. For a more detailed description of how to generally develop an AF4 method, the reader is referred to the AF4 section of ‘ISO/TS21362:2018 - Nanotechnologies - Analysis of nano-objects using asymmetrical flow and centrifugal field-flow fractionation’25. Having a closer look at the applied fractionation conditions given in Table 3, the first critical step is the introduction and relaxation of the AuNP sample in the AF4 channel. This step is governed by the injection flow, focus flow and cross flow, whose interplay forces the sample to locate close to the membrane surface and concentrate it in a narrow band near the injection port of the AF4 channel basically defining the starting point of the fractionation. A sufficient relaxation of the sample is mandatory as during this step, sample constituents of different sizes locate in different heights of the AF4 channel thereby providing the basis for a successful size fractionation. Incomplete sample relaxation is usually visible by an increased void peak area resulting from unretained (i.e., non-relaxed) sample constituents. This effect can be mitigated by increasing the injection time and/or the applied cross flow rate. However, both parameters need careful optimization, especially for samples that are prone to agglomeration and adsorption onto the AF4 membrane, and can be monitored by the respective recovery rates obtained for different parameter settings36,37. The applied injection time of 5 min along with a cross flow rate of 1.0 mL∙min-1 revealed recovery rates >80% for all AuNP samples and a negligible void peak area indicating near-optimum relaxation conditions. After sufficient relaxation of the AuNP sample, the focus flow was stopped and sample transport along the AF4 channel length to the respective UV-vis detector was initiated representing the second critical step. In order to ensure sufficiently high fractionation power at reasonable analyses times, a constant cross flow rate of 1.0 mL∙min-1 for 30–50 min (depending on the respective fractionated AuNP size standard) followed by a 10 min linear cross flow decay at a detector flow rate of 0.5 mL.min-1 was applied. Using a constant cross flow profile across the separation of all AuNP size standards revealed a linear relationship between retention time and AuNP size following FFF-theory22, thereby enabling size determination of the unknown AuNP sample by simple linear regression analysis. However, profiles other than a constant cross flow have also been exploited for sizing of nanoparticles, ultimately leading to a non-linear relationship between retention time and particle size38,39. In addition, size determination in AF4 using well-defined size standards is not limited to AuNP, but can also be applied to nanoparticles with other sizes and elemental composition (e.g., silver38,40 or silica nanoparticles41,42). In addition, when working with dilute samples, ICP-MS is a highly sensitive elemental detector, which can be coupled with AF4, adding to the versatility of this analytical approach for sizing of a large variety of nanoparticles in suspension.
Despite its widespread application, external size calibration using well-defined size standards in AF4 has some peculiarities that need to be considered when using it for accurate sizing of unknown samples. First of all, it heavily relies on the application of comparable conditions during fractionation of the respective size standards and the actual sample. In the case presented here, it is therefore mandatory that both the AuNP size standards as well as the unknown AuNP sample are fractionated using the same AF4 method as well as the same eluent and the same membrane rendering this approach quite inflexible. Furthermore, having no size-sensitive detectors, e.g., light scattering (MALS and DLS) at hand, it is difficult to determine whether a respective AF4 method using size standards works sufficiently well or not. This especially holds true for unknown samples that exhibit very broad size distributions, where it remains unclear whether all sample constituents follow the normal elution pattern: fractionation from smaller to larger particles, or whether larger sample constituents already elute in steric-hyperlayer mode thereby potentially co-eluting with smaller sample constituents43,44. In addition, even though FFF-theory emphasizes that AF4 separates solely based on differences in hydrodynamic size with particles being considered point masses without any interactions with their environment22, reality tells a different story with particle-particle and particle-membrane interactions (such as electrostatic attraction/repulsion or van-der-Waals attraction) may play a considerable role and can potentially introduce a measurable bias into size determinations via external size calibration45,46. It is therefore recommended to use size standards that ideally match the composition and the surface properties (Zeta potential) of the particle of interest40,42 or, if these are not available, at least use well-characterized particle size standards (e.g., polystyrene latex particles) and carefully evaluate their comparability with the particle of interest especially in terms of their surface Zeta potential in the respective environment, in which the analysis shall be carried out41,47.
The versatility of AF4 is often considered its greatest strength, as it offers an application range that goes beyond most other common sizing techniques in this field22,48,49. At the same time, due to its associated presumable complexity, it may also be regarded as its most significant drawback especially against fast and ostensibly easy-to-use sizing techniques such as DLS, Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis, or single particle ICP-MS. Nonetheless, when putting AF4 into perspective with these popular sizing techniques, it becomes clear that all techniques have their pros and cons, but all of them contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the physico-chemical nature of nanoparticles and should therefore be considered complementary rather than competitive.
The standard operating procedure (SOP) presented here, highlights the excellent applicability of AF4-UV-vis with external size calibration for sizing of an unknown AuNP sample in suspension and was eventually applied as a recommended guideline for AF4 analysis of an unknown AuNP sample within an international interlaboratory comparison (ILC) that was conducted in the frame of the Horizon 2020 project, ACEnano (the outcome of this ILC will be the subject of a future publication). This protocol, therefore, adds up to the encouraging and ongoing international efforts to validate and standardize AF4 methodologies25,50,51,52 underlining the promising potential of AF4 in the field of nanoparticle characterization.
Disclosures
All the authors of this manuscript are employees of Postnova Analytics GmbH, whose products are utilized in this protocol.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank the whole ACEnano consortium for fruitful discussions throughout all stages of the preparation of the protocol presented here. The authors also appreciate funding from the European Union Horizon 2020 Programme (H2020) under grant agreement nº 720952 in the frame of the ACEnano project.
Materials
| Name | Company | Catalog Number | Comments |
| 0.1 µm Membrane Filters (hydrophilic PVDF) | Postnova Analytics GmbH | Z-FIL-TEF-002 | Used for filtration of aqueous solutions |
| 0.22 µm PVDF Syringe Filter (d = 33 mm) | Merck Millipore | Durapore Millex | Used for filtration of NovaChem100 |
| Adjustable Volume Pipettes (1000 µL) | Eppendorf AG | Research Plus | Used to prepare diluted AuNP suspensions |
| AF4 cartridge | Postnova Analytics GmbH | AF2000 MF - AF4 Analytical Channel | Component of the AF2000 MF - MultiFlow FFF setup, which is described as AF4-system in the manuscript |
| AF4 Membrane - Regenerated Cellulose (10 kDa MWCO) | Postnova Analytics GmbH | Z-AF4-MEM-612-10KD | Component of the AF2000 MF - MultiFlow FFF setup, which is described as AF4-system in the manuscript |
| Analytical Balance (0.1 mg precision) | Sartorius | ENTRIS124I-1S | Used to weigh SDS and NaOH pellets for preparation of cleaning solution |
| Autosampler | Postnova Analytics GmbH | PN5300 | Component of the AF2000 MF - MultiFlow FFF setup, which is described as AF4-system in the manuscript |
| Channel Oven | Postnova Analytics GmbH | PN4020 | Component of the AF2000 MF - MultiFlow FFF setup, which is described as AF4-system in the manuscript |
| Crossflow Module | Postnova Analytics GmbH | AF2000 MF Control Module | Component of the AF2000 MF - MultiFlow FFF setup, which is described as AF4-system in the manuscript |
| Disposable Pipette Tips (1000 µL) | Eppendorf AG | ep T.I.P.S | Used to prepare diluted AuNP suspensions |
| Flasks (e.g. 2 liter volume) | neoLab | 1-0199 | Used for eluent storage |
| Focus Pump | Postnova Analytics GmbH | PN1131 | Component of the AF2000 MF - MultiFlow FFF setup, which is described as AF4-system in the manuscript |
| Glass Vials (e.g. 1.5 mL volume) | Postnova Analytics GmbH | VIA-002 | Used for sample storage |
| Gold Nanoparticle Size Standards (20 nm, 40 nm, 80 nm, 100 nm) | Postnova Analytics GmbH | NovaCal Gold | 50 mg L-1 each, used to establish the size calibration function |
| Magnetic Stirrer | IKA | VIBRAX-VXR | Used to accelerate dissolution of SDS and NaOH pellets in UPW |
| Personal Computer (PC) | Dell Technologies | / | Unit to control AF4 runs, record and evaluate collected data, for necessary hardware and software requirements the reader is referred to the Postnova AF2000 manual |
| Personal protection gear (gloves, lab coat, glasses etc.) | / | / | In accordance with respective laboratory’s safety rules for working with chemicals including engineered nanomaterials |
| Screw Top for Glass Vials (e.g. 1.5 mL volume) | Postnova Analytics GmbH | Z-VIA-09150868 | Used for sample storage |
| Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS), ≥99 %, Blotting Grade | Carl Roth GmbH & Co KG | 2326.1 | Used for the preparation of the cleaning solution |
| Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) Pellets, ≥98 %, p.a | Carl Roth GmbH & Co KG | 6771.1 | Used for the preparation of the cleaning solution |
| Software Package for Control and Data Acquisition | Postnova Analytics GmbH | NovaFFF AF2000 Software | Software for performing Af4 runs and data aquisition, for necessary hardware and software requirements the reader is referred to the Postnova AF2000 manual |
| Software Package for Data Evaluation | Postnova Analytics GmbH | NovaAnalysis Software | Software for AF4 data evaluation, for necessary hardware and software requirements the reader is referred to the Postnova NovaAnalysis manual |
| Software Package for final Data Processing | OriginLab Corporation | Origin 2019 | Used for final data processing |
| Solvent Degasser | Postnova Analytics GmbH | PN7520 | Component of the AF2000 MF - MultiFlow FFF setup, which is described as AF4-system in the manuscript |
| Solvent Selector | Postnova Analytics GmbH | PN7310 | Component of the AF2000 MF - MultiFlow FFF setup, which is described as AF4-system in the manuscript |
| Solvent Organizer | Postnova Analytics GmbH | PN7140 | Component of the AF2000 MF - MultiFlow FFF setup, which is described as AF4-system in the manuscript |
| Surfactant Mixture | Postnova Analytics GmbH | NovaChem100 | Mixture of different surfactants and salts used for eluent preparation |
| Tip Pump | Postnova Analytics GmbH | PN1130 | Component of the AF2000 MF - MultiFlow FFF setup, which is described as AF4-system in the manuscript |
| Unknown AuNP sample | BBI Solutions | EM.GC60 | 60 nm AuNP sample used for size determination via size calibration function |
| UV-vis Detector | Postnova Analytics GmbH | PN3211 | UV-vis detector For downstream coupling with the AF4 system |
| Vacuum Filtration Unit | Postnova Analytics GmbH | Eluent Filtration System | Used to ensure low particle backgrounds and removal of dissolved air in the used eluents to ensure optimum AF4 fractionation conditions |
| Vortex | IKA | Vortex Genie 2 | Used for homogenization of diluted AuNP suspensions |
| Water Purification System | Merck Millipore | Milli-Q Integral 5 | Used to generate ultrapure water (UPW, 18.2 MΩcm resistivity) for preparation of cleaning solution, eluents and dilution of AuNP suspensions |
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