Gold nanoparticles dispersion stability under dynamic coating conditions in capillary zone electrophoresis

Capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) of unmodified gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) was investigated in terms of dispersion stability in a presence of buffering counter-ions in background electrolyte (BGE). Capillary length, migration time and electric field strength were identified among factors influencing particles CZE. Moreover, BGE electrolysis was found to significantly affect analyses repeatability. The adsorption of NPs to capillary wall was recognized as the main problem. It was shown that this inconvenience can be overcome by the application of relatively big counter-ions. According to this observation, steric stabilization of NPs suspension by BGE components during CZE was hypothesized. In result, repeatable CZE of bare Au NPs under dynamic coating conditions was shown.