Separation of nanoparticles in aqueous multiphase systems through centrifugation.

Akbulut, Ozge; Mace, Charles R; Martinez, Ramses V; Kumar, Ashok A; Nie, Zhihong; Patton, Matthew R; Whitesides, George M · Nano Lett · 2012

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

This paper demonstrates the use of aqueous multiphase systems (MuPSs) as media for rate-zonal centrifugation to separate nanoparticles of different shapes and sizes. The properties of MuPSs do not change with time or during centrifugation; this stability facilitates sample collection after separation. A three-phase system demonstrates the separation of the reaction products (nanorods, nanospheres, and large particles) of a synthesis of gold nanorods, and enriches the nanorods from 48 to 99% in less than ten minutes using a benchtop centrifuge.