Characterization and stability of gold nanoparticles depending on their surface chemistry: Contribution of capillary zone electrophoresis to a quality control

Four kinds of gold nanoparticles (AuNP) quite similar in terms of gold core size (ca. 5 nm) and shape (spherical) but differing by their surface chemistry (either negatively, or positively charged, or neutral) were synthesized. They were analyzed using both the classical physicochemical approach (spectrophotometry, dynamic light scattering coupled or not to electrophoresis and transmission electron microscopy) and capillary zone electrophoresis equipped with photodiode array detection. The results obtained by both methodologies (related to Surface Plasmon Band-maximal absorbance wavelength-, and zeta potential and electrophoretic mobilities) were well correlated. Moreover, taking advantage of the separation method, the sample heterogeneity was evaluated and an impurity profile was extracted. This allowed setting some specifications which were then applied on the one hand to a batch-to-batch survey to declare NP as conform or not after production and on the other hand to a stability study.