Interactions between polymeric nanoparticles and different buffers as investigated by zeta potential measurements and molecular dynamics simulations

Zeta potential is an essential surface parameter in the characterization of nanoparticles, determined at interface loosely bound ions (diffuse layer) nanoparticle and free solution. The ionic concentration pH solution are known to, by definition, influence composition diffuse layer zeta accordingly. Thus, to fix solution's for valid measurements, buffers frequently used. However, issue that remains largely neglected could also additionally alter electrokinetic properties nanoparticles through specific molecular interactions. Therefore, a thorough understanding buffer–nanoparticle interactions needed correctly implement results. order study nanoparticle–buffer interactions, we first adopted simple experimental approach measuring common polymeric systems different buffer concentrations, pH, fraction ratios. We observed zwitterionic/cationic molecules impart significant interference structurally diverse polymer causing suppression or even inversion during experiments. In parallel, advancement computation resources nowadays allow studying intermolecular other complex dynamics (MD) simulations. performing MD simulations six nanomaterials with commonly used molecules, found noncovalent play role altering values, which may contribute erroneous results false particle characterizations if not taken properly into account measurements.