Detection of molecule-nanoparticle interactions with ligand shells
Inventors
Stefik, Morgan • Marsh, Zachary
Assignees
Publication Number
US-11953499-B2
Publication Date
2024-04-09
Expiration Date
2040-02-07
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Abstract
A quartz crystal microbalance coated with functionalized nanoparticles used to detect molecule-nanoparticle interactions to assist with characterization of difficult to predict molecule-nanoparticle interactions for novel ligand chemistries and, particularly, mixed ligand nanoparticles exhibiting different ligand morphologies, in order to quantify nanoparticle-molecule interactions independently from more complex solvation requirements.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a method using a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) coated with functionalized nanoparticles to detect molecule-nanoparticle interactions, specifically for nanoparticles with mixed ligand shells of varying morphologies. This method enables the quantification and characterization of difficult-to-predict interactions between molecules and nanoparticles that have complex ligand chemistries, such as those with patchy or stripe-like morphologies.
The problem addressed by this invention arises from the challenge in predicting and measuring molecule-nanoparticle interactions, especially for novel and mixed ligand nanoparticles. Traditional approaches are limited because they depend on solubility experiments, which cannot capture all interactions, especially when solvation shells are not required. Moreover, the unpredictable and non-monotonic behavior of mixed ligand nanoparticles, such as those with small domains dominated by mixed-ligand interfaces, makes it tedious and inefficient to assess each interaction individually.
By measuring vapor phase uptake of molecules into solid nanoparticle films, the QCM method quantifies mass uptake through analysis of the quartz crystal’s resonant frequency. This approach allows for the probing of non-monotonic chemical trends as a function of ligand shell morphology, such as confinement and cavitation effects, and operates independently of solvation requirements. The invention further utilizes nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to analyze ligand shell morphologies, enabling precise characterization of local environments and facilitating studies of molecule uptake and interface effects without needing solubility measurements.
Claims Coverage
There is one independent claim in this patent, covering the method to quantify mixed ligand shell molecule-nanoparticle interactions.
Method for quantifying mixed ligand shell molecule-nanoparticle interactions independent of solvation
The method comprises: - Measuring vapor phase uptake of molecules into a solid nanoparticle film deposited on a crystal. - Employing nuclear magnetic resonance to analyze the uptake. - Using nanoparticle films with mixed ligand nanoparticles, maintaining constant nanoparticle size but variable ligand composition. - Conducting the method independently of solvation criteria, allowing measurements with the solid nanoparticle film surrounded by a solvent. - Employing ligand stripping to remove at least one ligand from the solid nanoparticle film prior to measuring vapor phase uptake.
The claim centers on a method for quantifying molecule-nanoparticle interactions in solid films with mixed ligands, using vapor phase uptake and NMR, while being independent of solvation and incorporating ligand stripping.
Stated Advantages
Enables quantification of molecule-nanoparticle interactions independent of solvation requirements.
Allows detection and characterization of non-monotonic trends in molecule-nanoparticle interactions related to ligand shell morphologies.
Permits analysis and comparison using minimal nanoparticle quantities and with non-solvent uptake.
Removes nanoparticle size distribution as a confounding variable via ligand exchange strategies.
Provides new insights not accessible through solubility-based measurements alone.
Documented Applications
Detection and characterization of molecule-nanoparticle interactions for nanoparticles with diverse surface chemistries, including mixed ligand shells and novel ligand chemistries.
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