Methods of preserving Metal nanophase Physicochemical Surface Properties through Chemical Modification

Abstract

This invention presents a novel method for preserving the surface properties of metal nanomaterials—such as silver or gold nanoparticles—by chemically modifying their surfaces with protective molecular species. These nanomaterials are widely used in biomedical and industrial applications but are often vulnerable to degradation when exposed to reactive agents like cysteine or oxidative environments. Imagine if your antimicrobial nanomaterial could resist chemical attack simply by being dipped in a protective solution beforehand. This technology does exactly that—offering a simple, scalable, and highly effective way to extend the functional lifespan of sensitive nanomaterials.

Technical Details: The method involves a pre-incubation step where metal nanophase materials—such as silver-modified cerium oxide nanoparticles—are exposed to a solution containing molecules with a stronger chemical affinity for the metal than the environmental agents they will later encounter.

This surface modification is spontaneous at room temperature and does not require complex processing. The protective molecules can be tailored for specific applications by adjusting their chain length, polarity, or functional groups. The result is a robust, chemically shielded nanoparticle that retains its physicochemical properties even in challenging environments such as biological fluids, high-salt solutions, or oxidative media. The method is especially useful for preserving antimicrobial activity and optical properties in biomedical devices and diagnostics.

Benefit

Market Application