Determination of Critical Force, Time for Manipulation of Biological Nanoparticles | WPN World People News

In this research, comprehensive software was presented to determine and predict the required force without harming the biological micro/nanoparticles. Results of the research will have applications in the production of nano devices, specially in the medical field.

Atomic force microscope (AFM) is a unique device for the manipulation of biological cells, specially in liquid media. The researchers have recently worked on the measurement of forces between particles and the media to increase the accuracy of the results. However, the majority of the proposed models have been used in air or vacuum, and therefore, they are not able to precisely predict the contact conditions for the manipulation of various micro/nano particles in biological conditions.

In this research, the researchers firstly studied and simulated important forces existing in biological media, and then modeled and simulated forces, including adhesion, hydration and electrostatic force between two layers in various media such as water, alcohol and blood plasma.

Results of the research showed that biological particles start to move with more delay and under the effect of stronger forces in comparison with gold particles in air and in liquid. It is predictable taking into consideration the properties and adhesion of biological particles. A comparison of results showed that critical force and critical time of manipulation increase slightly for gold and biological nanoparticles in water in comparison with air. The reason is water properties and resisting forces existing in water against the movement of nanoparticles.

Source: Nanotechnology Now