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In this paper, the gallium (III) ions’ adsorption onto protonated clinoptilolite (H-CLP) was investigated both in batch and fixed-bed column experiments. Regarding batch experiments, the influence of some parameters such as adsorbent dosage, size particle, and temperature was studied, determining that a dosage of 10 g/L for an initial pollutant concentration of 40 mg/L leads to a removal percentage over 85% regardless of particle size and temperature. On the other hand, adsorption of gallium onto H-CPL is an endothermic and spontaneous process in the studied temperature range, concluding that the maximum adsorption capacity was 16 mg/g for 60 °C. Concerning to the effect of the presence of other cations in solution, such as Na+, K+, or Ca2+, gallium adsorption capacity only drops by 20%, although the initial concentration of other cations in the solution is 50 times higher than gallium concentration. This means that clinoptilolite has a high affinity for gallium which can be very favorable for further selectivity tests. A crucial factor for this high selectivity could be the protonation of clinoptilolite which allows working without modifying the pH of the aqueous solution with acid. In the fixed-bed experiments, breakthrough curves were obtained, and the effect of operation variables was determined. A breakpoint value of 254 min for 64 g of adsorbent and flow rate of 9.0 mL/min (7.0 BV/h) were obtained, when treating a pollutant volume of 33 BV. Additionally, the breakthrough curves were fitted to different models to study the particle size effect, being the best fit corresponding to the Adams–Bohart model. This fact confirmed the influence of particle size on adsorption kinetics. Graphical Abstract

Atomic and molecular level interactions in solutions dictate the structural and functional attributes of crystals. These features clearly dictate the properties of materials and their applicability in technologies. However, the microscopic phenomena of particle formation—nucleation and growth—in real systems are still not fully understood. Specifically, crystallisation occurring in closed systems are largely unproven. Combining coherent experimental data, we here demonstrate a fundamental nucleation-growth mechanism that occurs in a model zinc oxide system when particles are formed under continuous, rapid heating under closed reaction conditions. Defying all previous reports, we show that the nucleation commences only when the heating is terminated. A prenucleation clusters pathway is observed for nucleation, followed by crystallite assembly-growth. We show that the nucleation-growth processes result from temporal and dynamic activity of constituent ions and gaseous molecules in solution and by the irreversible expulsion of the dissolved gaseous molecules. We suggest that this nucleation process is generic to most closed systems that go through precipitation, and, therefore, important for the crystallisation of a variety of metal oxides, composites and minerals. We anticipate that the work may be a platform for future experimental and theoretical investigation promoting deeper understanding of the nucleation-growth phenomena of a variety of practical systems.

We demonstrate a method for the spatial tracking of individual particles, dispersed in a fluid host, via Raman spectroscopy. The effect of moving a particle upon the intensity of different bands within its Raman spectrum is first established computationally through a scattering matrix method. By comparing an experimental spectrum to the computational analysis, we show that the position of the particle can be obtained. We apply this method to the specific cases of molybdenum disulfide and graphene oxide particles, dispersed in a nematic liquid crystal, and contained within a microfluidic channel. By considering the ratio and difference between the intensities of the two Raman bands of molybdenum disulfide and graphene oxide, we demonstrate that an accurate position can be obtained in two dimensions.

The role of magnetosome associated proteins on the in vitro synthesis of magnetite nanoparticles has gained interest, both to obtain a better understanding of the magnetosome biomineralization process and to be able to produce novel magnetosome-like biomimetic nanoparticles. Up to now, only one recombinant protein has been used at the time to in vitro form biomimetic magnetite precipitates, being that a scenario far enough from what probably occurs in the magnetosome. In the present study, both Mms6 and MamC from Magnetococcus marinus MC-1 have been used to in vitro form biomimetic magnetites. Our results show that MamC and Mms6 have different, but complementary, effects on in vitro magnetite nucleation and growth. MamC seems to control the kinetics of magnetite nucleation while Mms6 seems to preferably control the kinetics for crystal growth. Our results from the present study also indicate that it is possible to combine both proteins to tune the properties of the resulting biomimetic magnetites. In particular, by changing the relative ratio of these proteins, better faceted and/or larger magnetite crystals with, consequently, different magnetic moment per particle could be obtained. This study provides with tools to obtain new biomimetic nanoparticles with a potential utility for biotechnological applications, We acknowledge projects CGL2013-46612 and CGL2016-76723 from the Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad from SPAIN and Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER) for financial support and Unidad Científica de Excelencia UCE-PP2016-05 of the University of Granada. Thanks go to CIC personnel of the University of Granada for technical assistance in the CD, TEM, SQUID and Unidad de Radioquímica e Inmunoanalisis (LAR), to the Proteomics Unit personnel of the Institute of Parasitology and Biomedicine “López- Neyra” (IPBLN) for technical assistance in the PMF and PFF by MALDI-TOF/TOF, and to the University of Málaga for technical assintance in HRTEM measurements.

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER), a network of membranous sheets and pipes, supports functions encompassing biogenesis of secretory proteins and delivery of functional solutes throughout the cell1,2. Molecular mobility through the ER network enables these functionalities, but diffusion alone is not sufficient to explain luminal transport across supramicrometre distances. Understanding the ER structure–function relationship is critical in light of mutations in ER morphology-regulating proteins that give rise to neurodegenerative disorders3,4. Here, super-resolution microscopy and analysis of single particle trajectories of ER luminal proteins revealed that the topological organization of the ER correlates with distinct trafficking modes of its luminal content: with a dominant diffusive component in tubular junctions and a fast flow component in tubules. Particle trajectory orientations resolved over time revealed an alternating current of the ER contents, while fast ER super-resolution identified energy-dependent tubule contraction events at specific points as a plausible mechanism for generating active ER luminal flow. The discovery of active flow in the ER has implications for timely ER content distribution throughout the cell, particularly important for cells with extensive ER-containing projections such as neurons. Using super-resolution microscopy, tracking of single particle trajectories of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) luminal proteins traversing tubular ER, and measuring ER dynamics, Holcman et al. show that ER content is propelled by active luminal flow.

PdNi particle networks (PdNi NN) are prepared by voltammetric dealloying using catkin-like PdNi nanoparticles as precursor. It is found that voltammetric dealloying plays an important role for the formation of these networks. Electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction are employed to show the evolution of the morphology of the as-prepared catalysts. The results generated from the cyclic voltammetry experiments showed that the PdNi NN was electrocatalytically active toward the ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR). Compared with PdNi/C and commercial Pd/C, the oxidation peak potential of PdNi NN shifted positively by + 105 and + 168 mV, and the peak current density increased by 1.53 and 3.75 times. The high electrocatalytic activity of PdNi NN toward the EOR afforded the feasibility to exploit highly active electro catalysts for direct ethanol fuel cells.

Hydrothermally sourced dissolved metals have been recorded in all ocean basins. In the oceans’ largest known hydrothermal plume, extending westwards across the Pacific from the Southern East Pacific Rise, dissolved iron and manganese were shown by the GEOTRACES program to be transported halfway across the Pacific. Here, we report that particulate iron and manganese in the same plume also exceed background concentrations, even 4,000 km from the vent source. Both dissolved and particulate iron deepen by more than 350 m relative to 3He—a non-reactive tracer of hydrothermal input—crossing isopycnals. Manganese shows no similar descent. Individual plume particle analyses indicate that particulate iron occurs within low-density organic matrices, consistent with its slow sinking rate of 5–10 m yr−1. Chemical speciation and isotopic composition analyses reveal that particulate iron consists of Fe(III) oxyhydroxides, whereas dissolved iron consists of nanoparticulate Fe(III) oxyhydroxides and an organically complexed iron phase. The descent of plume-dissolved iron is best explained by reversible exchange onto slowly sinking particles, probably mediated by organic compounds binding iron. We suggest that in ocean regimes with high particulate iron loadings, dissolved iron fluxes may depend on the balance between stabilization in the dissolved phase and the reversibility of exchange onto sinking particles. The largest known hydrothermal plume moves dissolved iron halfway across the Pacific. In situ measurements show that dissolved and particulate iron transport is facilitated by reversible exchange of dissolved iron onto organic compounds.

Homogeneous nucleation and subsequent cluster growth leads to the formation of new aerosol particles in the atmosphere(1). The nucleation of sulfuric acid and organic vapours is thought to be responsible for the formation of new particles over continents(1,2), whereas iodine oxide vapours have been implicated in particle formation over coastal regions(3-7). The molecular clustering pathways that are involved in atmospheric particle formation have been elucidated in controlled laboratory studies of chemically simple systems(2,8-10), but direct molecular-level observations of nucleation in atmospheric field conditions that involve sulfuric acid, organic or iodine oxide vapours have yet to be reported(11). Here we present field data from Mace Head, Ireland, and supporting data from northern Greenland and Queen Maud Land, Antarctica, that enable us to identify the molecular steps involved in new particle formation in an iodine-rich, coastal atmospheric environment. We find that the formation and initial growth process is almost exclusively driven by iodine oxoacids and iodine oxide vapours, with average oxygen-to-iodine ratios of 2.4 found in the clusters. On the basis of this high ratio, together with the high concentrations of iodic acid (HIO3) observed, we suggest that cluster formation primarily proceeds by sequential addition of HIO3, followed by intracluster restructuring to I2O5 and recycling of water either in the atmosphere or on dehydration. Our study provides ambient atmospheric molecular-level observations of nucleation, supporting the previously suggested role of iodine-containing species in the formation of new aerosol particles(3-7,12-18), and identifies the key nucleating compound.

This article summarizes the successful implementation of a novel technique for measuring gas temperature and particle emissivity in real time at the mouth of a full-scale basic oxygen furnace (BOF). Both the technique and the data presented here may be useful to both process-control professionals interested in energy balances and computational fluid dynamic (CFD) modelers seeking in-situ data for their specific radiation heat-transfer submodels and temperature-boundary conditions. A description of the sensor, the retrieval algorithms, and the assumptions associated with each is included. The technique is based on midinfrared-emission spectroscopy. Results from a campaign spanning seven heats at a 168-tonne converter with data points every 2 seconds have been reported. During decarburization, the average off-gas temperature and particle emissivity were 1471 K and 0.55, respectively, for low-carbon heats (aim carbon 0.30 pct). Practical issues, validation of the assumptions, and measurement uncertainty are discussed. This technique may be applicable to other metallurgical batch processes in which large columns of high-temperature off-gases containing CO, CO2, and particles are present.

Compared to biochemical reactions taking place in relatively well-defined aqueous solutions in vitro, the corresponding reactions happening in vivo occur in extremely complex environments containing only 60–70% water by volume, with the remainder consisting of an undefined array of bio-molecules. In a biological setting, such extremely complex and volume-occupied solution environments are termed ‘crowded’. Through a range of intermolecular forces and pseudo-forces, this complex background environment may cause biochemical reactions to behave differently to their in vitro counterparts. In this review, we seek to highlight how the complex background environment of the cell can affect the diffusion of substances within it. Engaging the subject from the perspective of a single particle’s motion, we place the focus of our review on two areas: (1) experimental procedures for conducting single particle tracking experiments within cells along with methods for extracting information from these experiments; (2) theoretical factors affecting the translational diffusion of single molecules within crowded two-dimensional membrane and three-dimensional solution environments. We conclude by discussing a number of recent publications relating to intracellular diffusion in light of the reviewed material.

Rapid, selective particle separation and concentration within the bacterial size range (1–3 μm) in clinical or environmental samples promises significant improvements in detection of pathogenic microorganisms in areas including diagnostics and bio-defence. It has been proposed that microfluidic Dean flow-based separation might offer simple, efficient sample clean-up: separation of larger, bioassay contaminants to prepare bioassay targets including spores, viruses and proteins. However, reports are limited to focusing spherical particles with diameters of 5 μm or above. To evaluate Dean flow separation for (1–3 μm) range samples, we employ a 20 μm width and depth, spiral microchannel. We demonstrate focusing, separation and concentration of particles with closely spaced diameters of 2.1 and 3.2 μm, significantly smaller than previously reported as separated in Dean flow devices. The smallest target, represented by 1.0 μm particles, is not focused due to the high pressures associated with focussing particles of this size; however, it is cleaned of 93 % of 3.2 μm and 87 % of 2.1 μm microparticles. Concentration increases approaching 3.5 times, close to the maximum, were obtained for 3.2 μm particles at a flow rate of 10 μl min−1. Increasing concentration degraded separation, commencing at significantly lower concentrations than previously predicted, particularly for particles on the limit of being focused. It was demonstrated that flow separation specificity can be fine-tuned by adjustment of output pressure differentials, improving separation of closely spaced particle sizes. We conclude that Dean flow separation techniques can be effectively applied to sample clean-up within this significant microorganism size range.

A principle to identify the material of a single particle without destroying the sample is examined by an experiment in microgravity (μG). Such an identification is important as a first stage of analyzing various grains of primitive materials. The identification was based on diamagnetic susceptibility χDIA obtained from translation of the grain induced by a magnetic field. When a grain is released in an area of a monotonously decreasing field under μG conditions, it will be ejected in the direction of the field reduction; here, the area is occupied with diffused gas medium. The material identification of a primitive grain is possible by comparing the measured χDIA with published values; an intrinsic χDIA value is assigned to a material according to a molecular orbital model. We report here that the ejection is realized for sub-mm-sized crystals of various organic and inorganic materials. By developing a short drop shaft (μG duration ~0.5 s), the proposed material identification can be easily performed in an ordinary chamber. Using conventional methods, χDIA cannot be detected for a small sample of diameter below the level of a millimetre. The achieved result is a step to realize the identification of micron-sized grains that compose primitive materials.

The process of development of reliable and eco-friendly metallic nanoparticles is an important step in the field of nanotechnology. To achieve this, use of natural sources like biological systems becomes essential. In the present work, extracellular biosynthesis of gold nanopar- ticles using Padina gymnospora has been attempted and achieved rapid formation of gold nanoparticles in a short duration. The UV-vis spectrum of the aqueous medium containing gold ion showed peak at 527 nm corresponding to the plasmon absorbance of gold nanoparticles. Scanning electron microscopy showed the formation of well- dispersed gold nanoparticles. FTIR spectra of brown alga confirmed that hydroxyl groups present in the algal poly- saccharides were involved in the gold bioreduction. AFM analysis showed the results of particle sizes (53-67 nm) and average height of the particle roughness (60.0 nm). X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectrum of the gold nanoparticles exhibited Bragg reflections corresponding to gold nano- particles. This environment-friendly method of biological gold nanoparticle synthesis can be applied potentially in various products that directly come in contact with the human body, such as cosmetics, and foods and consumer goods, besides medical applications.

In the present experiments, the carbonation process in multiphase system was carried out using the reactor with rotating discs. Calcite was produced by controlled fast precipitation through gaseous CO2 adsorption in Ca(OH)2 slurry. Furthermore, the reaction kinetics' were controlled by disc’s revolution speed in the range from 80 rpm through 120 to 160 rpm. Initial concentration of the slurry ranged between 54 and 110 mM L−1. The aggregates of crystals precipitated in the aqueous solution were of sub-micrometric size. Dynamic light scattering method showed that mean aggregate diameter decreased with the higher mixing rate as long as the mixing condition was homogenous (up to 160 rpm). Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the surface of calcite was polluted by unwanted, different compounds amount of which depends on the initial concentration of the slurry. Therefore, in order to obtain chemically pure calcite, CaCO3 powder was heated up in the laboratory oven. In order to explain the mechanism of calcite particles’ aggregation, the simulation of the aggregates formation has been performed based on the new model taking into account kinetics of the multiphase reaction, crystal growth and their agglomeration. The obtained data on crystal morphology during the precipitation process have been compared with the model simulation results. The internally consistent model very well describes both the formation and the aggregation of the calcite nanoparticles, and the same can be used and recommended for accurate calculations of the particle and aggregates’ sizes as well as their distribution in the reactor.

The application of atypical experimental methods such as conductivity measurements, optical microscopy, and nonstirred polymerizations to investigations of the ‘classical’ batch ab initio emulsion polymerization of styrene revealed astonishing facts. The most important result is the discovery of spontaneous emulsification leading to monomer droplets even in the quiescent styrene in water system. These monomer droplets with a size between a few and some hundreds of nanometers, which are formed by spontaneous emulsification as soon as styrene and water are brought into contact, have a strong influence on the particle nucleation, the particle morphology, and the swelling of the particles. Experimental results confirm that micelles of low-molecular-weight surfactants are not a major locus of particle nucleation. Brownian dynamics simulations show that the capture of matter by the particles strongly depends on the polymer volume fraction and the size of the captured species (primary free radicals, oligomers, single monomer molecules, or clusters).

Pure greenish-blue cobalt chromite (CoCr2O4) nanoparticles with narrow particle range of 4.1±1.9 nm and surface area of 78.2 m2g−1 were synthesized through mixed chelates thermolysis of corresponding metals using 2-Mercaptopyridine N-oxide sodium salt as chelating agent. During the thermolysis procedure, high amount of gases were emitted that led to the formation of nanoparticles with high surface area. The product was characterized by TGA, DTG, XRD, TEM, SEM, LLS, BET and chemical analysis. Design of experiments was performed to fulfill the two levels L4 Taguchi design. It was found that the temperature and time of thermolysis process have significant effect on the particle size reduction. The Oxidation of trichloroethylene was carried out over CoCr2O4 nanocrystallite. Catalytic activity analysis revealed that the synthesis CoCr2O4 possesses high catalytic activity for this process.

The aim of this work is to investigate the effect of surface modification of superparamagnetic magnetite nanoparticles (sterically stabilized by sodium oleate) by the dextran biocompatible layer on the rheological behavior of water-based magnetic fluids. The flow curves were measured as a function of the magnetic field strength by means of rheometry. The measured viscosity is generally dependent on both the particle concentration and the geometrical factors such as the particle shape and thickness of the adsorbed layers. The rheological properties of the magnetic fluids studied show the effect of the magnetic field strength and the presence of the surfactant second layer (dextran) on their viscosity.

Warm spray (WS) is a modification of high-velocity oxy-fuel spraying, in which the temperature of the supersonic gas flow generated by the combustion of kerosene and oxygen is controlled by diluting the combustion flame with an inert gas such as nitrogen. The inert gas is injected into the mixing chamber placed between the combustion chamber and the powder feed ports, thus the temperature of the propellant gas can be controlled from ~700 to 2,000 K. Since WS allows for higher particle temperatures in comparison to cold spray, warm sprayed particles are more softened upon impact, thus resulting in greater deformation facilitating the formation of shear instability for bonding. Recently, the combustion pressure of WS has been increased from 1 (low-pressure warm spray) to 4 MPa (high-pressure warm spray) in order to increase the velocity of sprayed particles. Effects of spray parameters on microstructure, mechanical properties, and splats formation of Ti-6Al-4V were systematically studied. Obtained coatings were examined by analyzing the coating cross-section images, microhardness as well as oxygen content. In addition, flattening ratio of splats was calculated as a function of nitrogen flow rate. It was found that the increased particle velocity caused by the increased combustion pressure had significant beneficial effects in terms of improving density and controlling the oxygen level in the sprayed Ti-6Al-4V coatings.

The formation and the optical features of two-dimensional aggregates formed by DNA-directed immobilization and cross-linking of bifunctional DNA–gold nanoparticles at flat gold substrates are analyzed. The samples are structurally characterized by atomic force microscopy to evaluate the particle size, the particle densities, and the degree of aggregation. The optical characteristics determined by UV/visible measurements are correlated with the structural features observed.

In this report, synthesis, growth and formation kinetics of silver nanoparticles mediated by various plant extracts in their biodiversity have been monitored using UV–Vis spectrophotometer by sampling at time intervals during bioreduction process. Plasmon band resonance of the silver nanoparticles was observed as the reaction progresses indicating nucleation and particle formation. There were cases of red shifting indicating particle size increase. In the bioreduction process, onset of nanoparticle nucleation and growth were observed within 2, 5, 10 or 30 min and eventual formation of spherical or quazi-spherical amidst twinned morphology as determined by transmission electron microscope (TEM). The nanosilver growth kinetics mechanism has been probed using a time-resolved UV–Vis in conjunction with TEM following existing Lifshitz–Slyozov–Wagner theory. For some biological extract-mediated synthesis, a single-stage mechanism that is diffusion controlled following Ostwald ripening (OR) is proposed. Whereas, for other bioreduction process, a double stage involving (1) initial OR followed by (2) surface adsorption-oriented attachment is proposed for temporal evolution of the nanosilver in green environment.

This study investigated the influence of the particle size on the adhesion force between ceramic particles and metal matrix in ceramic-reinforced metal matrix composites. The Cu-Al2O3 composites with 5 vol.% of ceramic phase were prepared by a powder metallurgy process. Alumina oxide powder as an electrocorundum (Al2O3) powder with different particle sizes, i.e., fine powder

The present study was aimed to identify the antibacterial potential of biosynthesised silver nanoparticles using different plant parts (leaves, bark and root) of Avicenna marina mangrove plant. Of the selected three different parts, the leaf extract showed the maximum synthesis of silver nanoparticles. The in vitro antibacterial assay (100 μg disk−1 concentration) showed the results of maximum zone of inhibition with the E. coli (18.40 ± 0.97 mm), and minimum (10.87 ± 1.33 mm) zone of inhibition with S. aureus but the concentrations of MIC and MBC values ranged between 6.25 and 50.0 μg ml−1 between the selected bacterial strains. The FTIR results of most potent leaf extract-synthesized silver nanoparticles showed the prominent peaks (620.967; 1,061.02; 1,116.58; 1,187.94; 1,280.50; 1,353.79; 1,384.64; 1,598.50; 1,629.56; 2,854.14 and 2,927.42) in different ranges. Further, the results of XRD analysis showed the 2θ intense values (38.11 and 70.57) within the ranges of Bragg’s reflection. In addition, the AFM analysis showed the results of particle sizes (71–110 nm), particle roughness (11.8 nm), maximum height of the particle roughness (111.8 nm), and average maximum height of the particle roughness (57.5 nm). It can be concluded from the present findings that, the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles from the leaf extract of A. marina can be used as potential antibacterial agents.

Of the many important reactions that are known to be catalysed by gold particles supported on transition metal oxides, the oxidation of carbon monoxide is of outstanding significance: the current state of understanding of its mechanism is reviewed, and discordant observations reported in the literature are noted and analysed. A general mechanism involving reaction at the edge of a particle containing both gold atoms and ions, and involving the support, is suggested, although not all features of it are necessarily always operative. Possible practical uses for gold in catalysing this reaction include pollution control, fuel cells, and gas sensing.

Optical properties of polymer microspheres with polystyrene cores and polyglycidol-enriched shells poly(styrene/α-tert-butoxy-ω-vinylbenzyl-polyglycidol) (P(S/PGL) particles with number average diameters D n determined by scanning electron microscopy equal 237 and 271 nm), were studied before and after immobilization of ovalbumin. The particles were synthesized by emulsifier-free emulsion copolymerization of styrene and polyglycidol macromonomer (poly(styrene/α-tert-butoxy-ω-vinylbenzyl-polyglycidol)) initiated with potassium persulfate. Molar fraction of polyglycidol units in the interfacial layer of the microspheres determined by XPS was equal 42.6 and 34.0%, for the particles with D n equal 137 and 271 nm, respectively. Colloidal crystals from the aforementioned particles were prepared by deposition of particle suspensions on the glass slides and subsequent evaporation of water. It was found that optical properties of colloidal crystals from the P(S/PGL) microspheres strongly depend on modification of their interfacial layer by covalent immobilization of ovalbumin. The coating of particles with ovalbumin resulted in decreasing their refractive index from 1.58 to 1.52.

In this work, nanoparticles of titanium dioxide (TiO2) were synthesized by means of TiCl4 as precursor. Effects of alcohol type, calcination, gelatinizing time and microwave exposure on the particle size, morphology, crystallinity and particle phase are studied using XRD patterns and SEM images. Results showed that alcohols such as ethanol increased the particle size; calcination increased the particle size and improved the crystallinity of particles. Microwave exposure of particles resulted in smaller particles; adding water increased the impact of microwave. Effect of microwave exposure in rutile phase formation is also observed during this study.

A new fourth-generation poly(propylene imine) dendrimer (G4-M) containing 32 triolefinic 15-membered macrocycles on the surfaces has been synthesized. The bimetallic RuRh-dendrimer-stabilized nanoparticles (DSNs) were first prepared within G4-M by a co-complexation route. The new G4-M dendrimer has been characterized by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared radiation, and elemental analysis. The dendrimer-stabilized bimetallic ions and reduction courses were analyzed by UV-vis spectroscopy. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectrometer were used to characterize the bimetallic nanoparticle size, size distribution, and particle morphology. The RuRh bimetallic DSNs showed high catalytic activity for the hydrogenation of nitrile-butadiene rubber.

Sample collection for Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS) analysis is typically completed by swiping a collection wipe over a suspect surface to collect trace residues. The work presented here addresses the need for a method to measure the collection efficiency performance of surface wipe materials as a function of the number of times a wipe is used to interrogate a surface. The primary purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of wipe reuse, i.e., the number of times a wipe is swiped across a surface, on the overall particle collection and IMS response. Two types of collection wipes (Teflon coated fiberglass and Nomex) were examined by swiping multiple times, ranging from 0 to 1000, over representative surfaces that are common to security screening environments. Particle collection efficiencies were determined by fluorescence microscopy and particle counting techniques, and were shown to improve dramatically with increased number of swiping cycles. Ion mobility spectrometry was used to evaluate the chemical response of known masses of explosives (deposited after reusing wipes) as a function of the wipe reuse number. Results show that chemical response can be negatively affected, and greatly depends upon the conditions of the surface in which the wipe is interrogating. For most parameters tested, the PCE increased after the wipe was reused several times. Swiping a dusty cardboard surface multiple times also caused an increase in particle collection efficiency but a decrease in IMS response. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed significant surface degradation of the wipes on dusty cardboard at the micrometer spatial scale level for Teflon coated wipes. Additionally, several samples were evaluated by including a seven second thermal desorption cycle at 235°C into each swipe sampling interval in order to represent the IMS heating cycle. Results were similar to studies conducted without this heating cycle, suggesting that the primary mechanism for wipe deterioration is mechanical rather than thermal.

Copper oxide nanofluid has been prepared by single-step wet chemical precipitation method. The preparation of nanofluid is carried out by reducing copper chloride with sodium hydroxide as reducing agent in deionised water as base fluid by means of conventional heating. The characterization of sample nano powder is done by X-ray diffraction (XRD), EDXA, SEM, and TGA. The mean size of the particle was determined from the XRD pattern by using the Scherrer formula and the average particle size was found to be 20 nm. Also an increase in thermal conductivity of the prepared copper oxide nanofluid was found to be 12.4 % compared to deionised water.

The present work presents a nanocomposite preformed particle gel for conformance control in mature oilfields. This product was observed to have a better performance than conventional hydrogels without nanomaterials. Preformed particle hydrogel was designed by the reaction of monomer, initiator, crosslinker, additives, and calcium montmorillonite nanomaterial, whereas conventional hydrogel is designed from just monomer, initiator, crosslinker and additives. The presence of nanomaterial in hydrogel design affords it tremendous improvement in nanocomposite gel properties and behavior compared to conventional hydrogels without any nanomaterial. Additionally, swelling performance, post-degraded gel viscosity, and long-term thermal resistance of nanocomposite gel increased by several orders of magnitude compared to hydrogels with no nanomaterial. Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy (ESEM) revealed the presence of a very dense 3-D network compared to hydrogels with no nanomaterial. On incorporation of nanomaterial, increase in gel strength of up to 2,150 % was observed. Thus, they are potential replacements for existing preformed particle gels in mitigating permeability variations in mature reservoirs.

Aluminum with an open-pore structure was fabricated through nitridation of an AA6061-2 pct Mg-1 pct Sn powder mixture, where interconnected permeable AlN shells developed on each AA6061 particle and imparted strength to the assembly. The resulting intershell spaces form an open-pore structure. When such an open-pore structure is heated above the liquidus of the core, an open-closed pore transformation occurs, where the molten core in each shell spontaneously migrates to fill the open pores outside, leaving a closed pore inside each shell. Based on this finding, porous AA6061 with different open-pore fractions was fabricated by heating open-pore structures of AA6061 into the semisolid region, where the liquid fraction changes with temperature. The mechanism for the open-closed pore transformation is identified through detailed microstructural and thermodynamic analyses. Criteria for the open-closed pore transformation are specified. Additionally, net shape fabrication of porous aluminum with controlled pore features is realized using the novel concept.

A study was performed of the formation of metal oxide nanoparticles during combustion of aluminum and titanium drops which moved in air at a velocity of up to 3 m/sec. The source of the burning particles was a pyrotechnic mixture which contained an oxidizer, a binder, and metal particles of size 4–350 µm. Transmission electron microscopic studies showed that the combustion products were 1–10 µm aggregates of fractal structure consisting of primary particles (spherules) of Al2O3/TiO2 5–150 nm in diameter. The Brownian diffusion of the aggregates and their motion in electric and gravitational fields were observed using videomicroscopic recording. The charge distribution of TiO2 aggregates and the equivalent radius of Brownian mobility were determined. In Al combustion, the zone of nanoparticle formation is separated from the particle surface by a distance approximately equal to the particle radius, and in Ti combustion, this zone is located directly near the surface. Coagulation of the oxide aerosol in the track of a burning particle leads to aerogelation with the formation of huge aggregates. Analytical expressions for approximate calculation of the parameters of the oxide particles and zones of their formation are proposed.

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were synthesized in the organic solution by means of the reduction of HAuCl4 by hydrazine in reverse micelles of oxyethylated surfactant Triton N-42, with decane as the dispersion medium. To isolate the powder of particles, the micelles were destroyed with chloroform in the presence of di-(2-ethylhexyl) dithiophosphoric acid as a surface protecting agent. According to the results of several experiments, the yield is within the limits of 90–98%, calculated for gold. The obtained preparations are dark blue hydrophobic powders containing aggregated but not agglomerated gold nanoparticles, as well as microcrystals (∼0.08–0.2 μm) of NaCl. The powders get re-dispersed in weakly polar organic solvents with the formation of colloidal solutions. The shape of the nanoparticles is spherical. Their nuclei are gold single crystals with a narrow size distribution; their diameter (d Au) is about two times as large as the diameter of the aqueous nucleus (d c) of initial micelles: d Au = 7.7 ± 1.4 nm (d c = 3.6 nm) and 8.8 ± 1.5 nm (4.6 nm). The preparations were studied by means of dynamic light scattering, atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, UV–vis spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, and thermogravimetric and elemental analyses. In the case of the particles with d Au = 8.8 nm, the product is a mixture of AuNPs and the salt with the molar ratio Au/NaCl ≈ 1:4.54, while the gross composition of AuNPs per one gold atom is estimated as Au(C16H34O2PS2Na∙2N2H4)0.16 with the number of gold atoms in one particle ∼21,000.

The sorption kinetics for the removal aldehydes from aqueous solutions with Amberlite XAD-16 and MPP particles impregnated with Primene JM-T was investigated. A model, accounting for the simultaneous mass transfer and chemical reaction, is developed to describe the process. It is based on the analogy to the diffusion and reaction in a stagnant liquid sphere, but corrected for the porosity and particle properties influencing the diffusion. The developed model describes the kinetic behavior of the process in the low concentration region rather well. However, in the high concentration region, larger discrepancies are observed. Initially, the influence of the flow rate was investigated to eliminate the effect of the external mass transfer. The influence of the particle morphology was investigated for both physical and reactive sorption. Physical sorption experiments were used to determine the factor t that takes the particle properties influencing the diffusion into account. It was shown that the diffusion is faster in XAD-16 than in MPP impregnated systems. Reaction rate constant k x was determined by fitting the model to the experimental data. Sorption of benzaldehyde appears to be significantly slower (k x ~ 10-4 l/mol¿s) than the sorption of pentanal (k x ~ 10-3 l/mol¿s) due to the slower chemical reaction. The influence of the particle size was investigated for the sorption of pentanal with XAD-16. It was observed that the particle size does influence the diffusion term, but does not have an effect on the reaction rate. On the other hand, the extractant loading influences the reaction rate slightly in the low concentration region, whereas the initial concentration of the solute has more pronounced effect. U7 - Cited By (since 1996): 4 U7 - Export Date: 21 January 2010 U7 - Source: Scopus

Sodium selenite is used to prevent selenium deficiency known as nutritional muscular dystrophy or white muscle disease. In ruminants, selenium supplements are transformed partiality in insoluble form by ruminal microorganisms and its process decrease the selenium absorption in digestive gastrointestinal. However, the objective in this research was focused in encapsulated sodium selenite to be release into of a pH less than four, similarity to an intestinal environment. It was encapsulated by nanoprecipitation and emulsion–evaporation methods, within polymeric nanoparticles. The effect of these methods, polymer proportion (Eudragit RL and RS) and solvent (ethanol and acetone) on the physicochemical (drug entrapment, polidispersity index (PDI) and z potential) and morphological characteristics (particle morphology and particle size) were evaluated. Particle size from each nanoparticles, formulation ranged from 36.64 to 213.86 nm. Particle size, z potential and PDI increased (P ≤ 0.01) when nanoprecipitation and ethanol were used. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed when different polymeric proportions were used. Selenium entrapment was 26% when emulsion–evaporation method was used and 78% with nanoprecipitation. Nanoparticles produced by nanoprecipitation were spherical and had a great variation in particle size; on the other hand, nanoparticles produced by emulsion–evaporation were spherical as well as amorphous and presented a homogeneous nanopartcicle size distribution. The release of selenium from nanoparticles was higher in acid pH (less than 4), this condition may represent a better availability of the mineral in the small intestine.

The coil-to-globule transition of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) microgel particles suspended in water has been investigated in situ as a function of heating and cooling rate with four optical process analytical technologies (PAT), sensitive to structural changes of the polymer. Photon Density Wave (PDW) spectroscopy, Focused Beam Reflectance Measurements (FBRM), turbidity measurements, and Particle Vision Microscope (PVM) measurements are found to be powerful tools for the monitoring of the temperature-dependent transition of such thermo-responsive polymers. These in-line technologies allow for monitoring of either the reduced scattering coefficient and the absorption coefficient, the chord length distribution, the reflected intensities, or the relative backscatter index via in-process imaging, respectively. Varying heating and cooling rates result in rate-dependent lower critical solution temperatures (LCST), with different impact of cooling and heating. Particularly, the data obtained by PDW spectroscopy can be used to estimate the thermodynamic transition temperature of PNIPAM for infinitesimal heating or cooling rates. In addition, an inverse hysteresis and a reversible building of micrometer-sized agglomerates are observed for the PNIPAM transition process., Postprints der Universität Potsdam : Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Reihe, 944

Purpose To investigate the agglomeration behaviour of the fine (12.8 μm) particle fractions of salmeterol xinafoate (SX) and fluticasone propionate (FP) by isolating aerodynamic size fractions and characterising their physicochemical and re-dispersal properties. Methods Aerodynamic fractionation was conducted using the Next Generation Impactor (NGI). Re-crystallized control particles, unfractionated and fractionated materials were characterized for particle size, morphology, crystallinity and surface energy. Re-dispersal of the particles was assessed using dry dispersion laser diffraction and NGI analysis. Results Aerosolized SX and FP particles deposited in the NGI as agglomerates of consistent particle/agglomerate morphology. SX particles depositing on Stages 3 and 5 had higher total surface energy than unfractionated SX, with Stage 5 particles showing the greatest surface energy heterogeneity. FP fractions had comparable surface energy distributions and bulk crystallinity but differences in surface chemistry. SX fractions demonstrated higher bulk disorder than unfractionated and re-crystallized particles. Upon aerosolization, the fractions differed in their intrinsic emission and dispersion into a fine particle fraction (

Gold nanoparticles used in most experiments (1–10 nm) in gold catalysis show varying degrees of reactivity, with particles below 5 nm generally being more reactive. The origin of this activity is a subject of a number of model experiments and theoretical studies on either clusters of a few atoms in size or extended surfaces (smooth or stepped). In the work described here, a classical theory for the variation of the metal workfunction with cluster size, Extended Huckel Theory (EHT) calculations combined with DFT calculations, as well as a carbon monoxide (CO) chemisorption model are combined to develop a relationship between metal particle size and the particle's reactivity towards CO. For gold, it is shown that while the contribution of the d-band hybridization energy to the total CO chemisorption energy is unfavourable for bulk gold, this is not true for gold particles below 5–6 nm. That is, the d-band hybridization energy is negative for small gold particles. This is believed to be explanation of the onset of high reactivity for small gold particles.

Antimicrobial resistance is a healthcare problem of increasing significance, and there is increasing interest in developing new tools to address bacterial infections. Bacteria-targeting nanoparticles hold promise to improve drug efficacy, compliance, and safety. In addition, nanoparticles can also be used for novel applications, such as bacterial imaging or bioseperations. We here present the use of a scalable block-copolymer-directed self-assembly process, Flash NanoPrecipitation, to form zinc(II)-bis(dipicolylamine) modified nanoparticles that bind to both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria with specificity. Particles have tunable surface ligand densities that change particle avidity and binding efficacy. A variety of materials can be encapsulated into the core of the particles, such as optical dyes or iron oxide colloids, to produce imageable and magnetically active bacterial targeting constructs. As a proof-of-concept, these particles are used to bind and separate bacteria from solution in a magnetic column. Magnetic manipulation and separation would translate to a platform for pathogen identification or removal. These magnetic and targeted nanoparticles enable new methods to address bacterial infections.

The particle size of apatite is one of the critical factors that influence the adsorption of heavy metals on apatite in the remediation of heavy metal contaminated soils using apatite. However, little research has been done evaluating the impact of different particle sizes of apatite on immobilization remediation of heavy metal polluted soils in field. In this study, the adsorption isothermal experiments of copper on three kinds of apatite was tested, and the field experiment by using different particle sizes apatite [nano-hydroxyapatite (NAP), micro-hydroxyapatite (MAP), ordinary particle apatite (OAP)] at a same dosage of 25.8 t/ha (1.16 %, W/W) was also conducted. Ryegrass was chosen as the test plant. The ryegrass biomass, the copper contents in ryegrass and the copper fractionations in soil were determined after field experiments. Results of adsorption experiments showed that the adsorption amounts of copper on OAP was the lowest among different particles. The adsorption amounts of copper on MAP was higher than NAP at high copper equilibrium concentration (>1 mmol L−1), an opposite trend was obtained at low copper concentration ( NAP > OAP, which was attributed to the high adsorption capacity of copper and the strong releasing of phosphate by MAP.

Pure Li4Ti5O12 with high crystallinity was successfully synthesized by a solvothermal process. The effects of initial Li/Ti ratio and post-heating temperature on the phase evolution, particle morphology and electrochemical properties were systematically investigated. Excess lithium, compared to the theoretical value in Li4Ti5O12, was required to get pure Li4Ti5O12 due to the condensation reaction. Low Li/Ti ratio led to the appearance of secondary phase rutile TiO2, while high heat-treatment temperature easily resulted in particle agglomeration of Li4Ti5O12 powder. The existence of rutile TiO2 decreased the specific capacity, and the particle agglomerate had a strong negative effect on the rate capability of electrode. The sample synthesized at the optimized condition exhibited a stable specific capacity of 150 mAh/g and a good rate performance.

Systems for studying the toxicity of metal aggregates on the airways are normally not suited for evaluating the effects of individual particle characteristics. This study validates a set-up for toxicological studies of metal aggregates using an air–liquid interface approach. The set-up used a spark discharge generator capable of generating aerosol metal aggregate particles and sintered near spheres. The set-up also contained an exposure chamber, The Nano Aerosol Chamber for In Vitro Toxicity (NACIVT). The system facilitates online characterization capabilities of mass mobility, mass concentration, and number size distribution to determine the exposure. By dilution, the desired exposure level was controlled. Primary and cancerous airway cells were exposed to copper (Cu), palladium (Pd), and silver (Ag) aggregates, 50–150 nm in median diameter. The aggregates were composed of primary particles

Background Exposure to coarse, fine, and ultrafine particles is associated with adverse population health impacts. We investigated whether size-fractionated particles collected repeatedly in the vicinity of industrial (steel mills and associated coking operations, wastewater treatment), high traffic, and residential areas display systematic differences in biological potency. Methods Particulate matter (PM10) samples collected at sites within Windsor, Ontario, were screened for biological potency in human A549 lung epithelial and murine J774A.1 macrophage-like cells using cytotoxicity bioassays (cellular ATP, resazurin reduction, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release), cytokine production, and transcript profiles. Potency was determined from the slope of each dose-effect relationship. Results Cytotoxic potency varied across size fractions and within a fraction across sites and sampling periods, suggesting that particle composition, in addition to size and mass, affected particle toxicity. While ATP and LDH profiles showed some similarity, resazurin reduction (a measure of metabolic activity) exhibited a unique pattern of response, indicating that the cytotoxicity assays were sensitive to distinct particle characteristics. Chemical speciation varied in relation to prevailing winds, consistent with enrichment of source emissions (e.g. higher metal and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon content downwind of the industrial site). Notwithstanding this variability, site-dependent differences in particle toxicity were evident, including greater potency of coarse fractions at the industrial site and of ultrafine particles at the traffic site (Site × Size interactions, p

The present work describes pretreatment processes of thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPU) material, used as an adhesive in powder form, that results in the increased peeling resistance of joints. The TPU in powder form is an environmentally friendly adhesive and provides safer bonding conditions in the shoe manufacturing industry. TPU particles are soft and require an anti-blocking agent to prevent agglomeration. However, particles covered by such an anti-blocking agent may account for a low peeling resistance in the resulting joints. To overcome this disadvantage, two pretreatment processes for the TPU adhesive were evaluated. The results of a two-step wet washing process, representing a conventional solvent-based procedure that involves both the application of a solvent and a powder separation step, are compared to the performance of a one-step dry plasma treatment process. The process type did not affect the size and agglomeration behavior of the particles, and both processes were effective in improving joint strength according to peeling test results. Spectroscopic investigation of the particle surface after washing or plasma treatment indicated some zinc concentration, which is interpreted to result from the anti-blocking agent. The crystallinity of the TPU, investigated by thermal analysis, was higher after pretreatment. The obtained results indicate that TPU in powder form is a versatile adhesive for the shoe industry with a safer application compared to solvent based adhesive systems.

Background Safety assessment of nanoparticles (NPs) requires techniques that are suitable to quantify tissue and cellular uptake of NPs. The most commonly applied techniques for this purpose are based on inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Here we apply and compare three different ICP-MS methods to investigate the cellular uptake of TiO2 (diameter 7 or 20 nm, respectively) and Ag (diameter 50 or 75 nm, respectively) NPs into differentiated mouse neuroblastoma cells (Neuro-2a cells). Cells were incubated with different amounts of the NPs. Thereafter they were either directly analyzed by laser ablation ICP-MS (LA-ICP-MS) or were lysed and lysates were analyzed by ICP-MS and by single particle ICP-MS (SP-ICP-MS). Results All techniques confirmed that smaller particles were taken up to a higher extent when values were converted in an NP number-based dose metric. In contrast to ICP-MS and LA-ICP-MS, this measure is already directly provided through SP-ICP-MS. Analysis of NP size distribution in cell lysates by SP-ICP-MS indicates the formation of NP agglomerates inside cells. LA-ICP-MS imaging shows that some of the 75 nm Ag NPs seemed to be adsorbed onto the cell membranes and were not penetrating into the cells, while most of the 50 nm Ag NPs were internalized. LA-ICP-MS confirms high cell-to-cell variability for NP uptake. Conclusions Based on our data we propose to combine different ICP-MS techniques in order to reliably determine the average NP mass and number concentrations, NP sizes and size distribution patterns as well as cell-to-cell variations in NP uptake and intracellular localization. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12951-016-0203-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The produced mechanical work at tensile drawing is converted into heat almost completely and the polymer temperature rises. The temperature rise at adiabatic drawing for different polymers is 20-100°C. To determine the temperature of PET during neck propagation, micro-particles with pre-determined melt surface were dusted on the sample surface. If particles melted, surface temperature exceeded the particle melt temperature. In addition, the temperature rise was analyzed theoretically. The surface temperature of 140°С of PET film samples was recorded. Equations describing distribution of temperature are derived. The equations are solved for steady neck propagation. The drawing ratio in the neck and the draw stress are the main parameters determining the temperature rise. A new method of measurement of the heat transfer coefficient from the neck temperature profile is developed. When the temperature in the yield zone reaches the glass transition temperature, appear pores, the neck drawing ratio increases, and further temperature rises are observed.

Background Cigarette smoking is a cause of a variety of serious diseases, and to understand the toxicological impact of tobacco smoke in vitro, whole smoke exposure systems can be used. One of the main challenges of the different whole smoke exposure systems that are commercially available is that they dilute and deliver smoke in different ways, limiting/restricting the cross-comparison of biological responses. This is where dosimetry – dose quantification – can play a key role in data comparison. Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) technology has been put forward as one such tool to quantify smoke particle deposition in vitro, in real-time. Results Using four identical QCMs, installed into the Vitrocell® mammalian 6/4 CF Stainless exposure module, we were able to quantify deposited smoke particle deposition, generated and diluted by a Vitrocell® VC 10 Smoking Robot. At diluting airflows 0.5-4.0 L/min and vacuum flow rate 5 ml/min/well through the exposure module, mean particle deposition was in the range 8.65 ± 1.51 μg/cm2-0.72 ± 0.13 μg/cm2. Additionally, the effect of varying vacuum flow rate on particle deposition was assessed from 5 ml/min/well - 100 ml/min/well. Mean deposited mass for all four airflows tested per vacuum decreased as vacuum rate was increased: mean deposition was 3.79, 2.75, 1.56 and 1.09 μg/cm2 at vacuum rates of 5, 10, 50 and 100 ml/min/well respectively. Conclusions QCMs within the Vitrocell® exposure module have demonstrated applicability at defining particle dose ranges at various experimental conditions. This tool will prove useful for users of the Vitrocell® system for dose–response determination and QC purposes.

Background: Bacterial contamination on touch surfaces results in increased risk of infection. In the last few decades, work has been done on the antimicrobial properties of copper and its alloys against a range of micro-organisms threatening public health in food processing, healthcare and air conditioning applications; however, an optimum copper method of surface deposition and mass structure has not been identified. Results: A proof-of-concept study of the disinfection effectiveness of three copper surfaces was performed. The surfaces were produced by the deposition of copper using three methods of thermal spray, namely, plasma spray, wire arc spray and cold spray The surfaces were then inoculated with meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). After a two hour exposure to the surfaces, the surviving MRSA were assayed and the results compared. The differences in the copper depositions produced by the three thermal spray methods were examined in order to explain the mechanism that causes the observed differences in MRSA killing efficiencies. The cold spray deposition method was significantly more effective than the other methods. It was determined that work hardening caused by the high velocity particle impacts created by the cold spray technique results in a copper microstructure that enhances ionic diffusion, and copper ions are principally responsible for antimicrobial activity. Conclusions: This test showed significant microbiologic differences between coatings produced by different spray techniques and demonstrates the importance of the copper application technique. The cold spray technique shows superior anti-microbial effectiveness caused by the high impact velocity imparted to the sprayed particles which results in high dislocation density and high ionic diffusivity.

ZnS nanoparticles were prepared by simple wet chemical precipitation method to study the effect of sulfur and trisodium citrate concentration on the particle growth of ZnS nanoparticles. Particle sizes were seen varied with the concentration of the sulfur and trisodium citrate. Compressive strain was observed only for a particular concentration of sulfur, and that sample was chosen for trisodium citrate experiments. Interestingly, the compressive strain was seen varied with the concentration of trisodium citrate and seen maximum for 2 M concentration of trisodium citrate. Further, interband transition was observed in the case of smaller crystallites prepared in the trisodium citrate. It is clearly observed from the FTIR analysis that the trisodium citrate acts as a stabilizer and capped the particles from further growth.

Background With the increased manufacture and use of carbon nanoparticles (CNP) there has been increasing concern about the potential toxicity of fugitive CNP in the workplace and ambient environment. To address this matter a number of investigators have conducted in vitro and in vivo toxicity assessments. However, a variety of different approaches for suspension of these particles (culture media, Tween 80, dimethyl sulfoxide, phosphate-buffered saline, fetal calf serum, and others), and different sources of materials have generated potentially conflicting outcomes. The quality of the dispersion of nanoparticles is very dependent on the medium used to suspend them, and this then will most likely affect the biological outcomes. Results In this work, the distributions of different CNP (sources and types) have been characterized in various media. Furthermore, the outcome of instilling the different agglomerates, or size distributions, was examined in mouse lungs after one and seven days. Our results demonstrated that CNP suspended in serum produced particle suspensions with the fewest large agglomerates, and the most uniform distribution in mouse lungs. In addition, no apparent clearance of instilled CNP took place from lungs even after seven days. Conclusion This work demonstrates that CNP agglomerates are present in all dispersing vehicles to some degree. The vehicle that contains some protein, lipid or protein/lipid component disperses the CNP best, producing fewer large CNP agglomerates. In contrast, vehicles absent of lipid and protein produce the largest CNP agglomerates. The source of the CNP is also a factor in the degree of particle agglomeration within the same vehicle.