How is nanoparticle tracking used in drug delivery systems?
Nanoparticle tracking is used in drug delivery systems to monitor the movement and distribution of nanoparticles in real-time within biological environments. It helps optimize drug delivery by assessing particle stability, tracking drug release, and ensuring targeted delivery to specific cells or tissues, thereby improving therapeutic efficacy and reducing side effects.
What are the advantages of using nanoparticle tracking analysis in medical diagnostics?
Nanoparticle tracking analysis offers high-resolution insights into particle size distribution and concentration, crucial for detecting biomarker nanoparticles in medical diagnostics. It enables real-time tracking and analysis of subtle changes in biological samples, enhancing early disease detection, monitoring therapeutic efficacy, and personalizing treatment strategies with minimal sample preparation.
How does nanoparticle tracking analysis work in measuring particle size and concentration?
Nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) works by tracking the Brownian motion of nanoparticles suspended in a liquid, using a laser and a microscope. It calculates particle size by analyzing the speed of motion, which relates to the particle's size via the Stokes-Einstein equation. The technique also determines concentration by counting the number of tracked particles in a given volume.
What are the limitations of nanoparticle tracking analysis in clinical applications?
Nanoparticle tracking analysis has limitations in clinical applications due to its inability to differentiate between nanoparticles of similar size and limited detection of particles below 10 nm. It also requires dilution of samples, potentially affecting measurement accuracy, and may be influenced by particle concentration and sample viscosity.
What types of nanoparticles can be tracked using nanoparticle tracking analysis?
Nanoparticle tracking analysis can be used to track a variety of nanoparticles, including metallic nanoparticles (like gold and silver), polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, extracellular vesicles, protein aggregates, and viral particles. It is a versatile technique effective for particles typically ranging in size from 10 nm to 1000 nm.