Metal nanoparticles

In the dynamic landscape of nanomedicine, metal-based and inorganic nanoparticles emerge as pioneers, reshaping the possibilities of advanced drug delivery systems and medical devices.

Engineered from materials such as gold, silver, iron oxide and silica, inorganic nanoparticles bring a unique set of properties to the forefront of nanomedicine. These nanoparticles offer a versatile platform for targeted drug delivery, diagnostic imaging and therapeutic interventions.

Inorganic nanoparticles frequently have their surfaces coated with a broad modality of organic small molecules or polymers, which provide biocompatibility, enhanced stability and opportunities for specific surface functionalization chemistry and introduction of active payloads and targeting handles.

Why use metal and metal oxide nanoparticles?

The application of inorganic nanoparticles provides access to unique physicochemical properties such as high surface area per unit volume and unique optical and magnetic properties.

Inorganic nanoparticles can be functionalized with various specific ligands to enhance their affinity towards target cells or molecules.

Our expertise in metal and metal oxide nanoparticle development

Our Ardena team of metal nanoparticle experts can craft your inorganic nanoparticles. Leveraging our in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience, we offer a spectrum of solutions to bring your drug delivery projects to fruition.

We have extensive experience creating inorganic nanoparticles, producing a wide variety of materials, such as metal and metal-oxide nanoparticles, silica- and silicate-based nanoparticles and other modalities.

Our analytical expertise

The Ardena team of analytical experts is experienced with the analytical method development for, and characterization of, various metal- or metal-oxide-based nanoparticles such as iron-oxide and silica nanoparticles. Within our analytical laboratories, we employ various techniques to quantify and characterize the inorganic core, as well as the coatings (e.g., polymer, lipids) and different types of APIs, such as small-molecule drugs, oligonucleotides and peptides.

Additionally, we use orthogonal techniques to measure critical nanoparticle properties such as particle size distribution and morphology. This comprehensive approach ensures thorough characterization and optimization of metal and metal-oxide nanoparticle formulations.

A more extended list of characterization assessments provided at Ardena:

Appearance: Visual
Identity: FT-IR
Identification and quantification of (encapsulated) API and related impurities:
- Small-molecule drugs: LC-UV/CAD/MS
- Peptide/proteins: LC-UV/MS, AAA
- Oligonucleotides: IPLC-UV/MS, RiboGreen
Quantification of inorganic components: AAS, ICP-OES
Quantification of organic carbon: TOC
Magnetic susceptibility: Magnetic balance
Particle size distribution: DLS, AF4/SEC-MALS, TEM
Morphology: AF4/SEC-MALS, TEM, XRD
Surface properties: ELS (zeta potential)
Elemental impurities: ICP-MS
Residual solvents: GC-HS, GC-FID/MS
Solution properties (pH, osmolality), in vitro release, microbiological control: USP/Ph. Eur.

At Ardena, we stay at the forefront of technological advancements, continuously innovating to provide state-of-the-art solutions tailored to your unique project requirements. We value collaboration and work closely with clients to understand their needs and deliver the desired inorganic nanoparticle solutions.

Ardena expertise and success stories

Our commitment to excellence is evident in our successful track record with inorganic nanoparticles. Ardena has played a pivotal role in advancing numerous projects, including:

Tailored synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles:
Thermal decomposition and coprecipitation synthesis processes for iron oxide-based nanoparticles, including engineered polymer coatings for stability, hydrophilicity and further functionalization with a wide range of payloads.

Advanced functionalization of noble metal nanoparticles:
Surface-stabilized noble metal (e.g., gold) nanoparticles incorporating a variety of stabilizing and functionalizing chemical modalities.

Precision generation of silica-based particles:
Stöber processes for the generation of silica-based particles of various sizes with further opportunities for surface modification and loading strategies.