Enhancing the utility of nanoparticles through engineered interfaces and quantitative assays

Nanoscale particles open a realm of possibilities for applications based on the physical and chemical properties of these advanced materials. In this work, techniques were developed to functionalize the surfaces of nanoparticles and to enhance the stability of assays using nanoparticles. Firstly, the addition of functional, reactive species in specific ratios to the surfaces of nanoparticles through the demonstration of quantitative and reproducible methods enabled the creation of customized materials that can enable new applications. Secondly, nickel sensitive molecular probes that often exhibit instabilities in solutions were modified through the incorporation of nanoparticles to improve their utility and stability, and possibly even their sensitivity. The observed stability of the nickel-probe complexes in solution were improved from a timescale of minutes to greater than one year. In summary, whether modifying the surfaces of nanoparticles through the covalent attachment of molecular species or through the adsorption of molecular species onto the surfaces of nanoparticle supports, the properties of nanoparticles can be tuned to enhance their properties and/or to add value to assays for heavy metals.