Nanofabrication and Characterization Core

Overview

The Nanofabrication and Characterization Core Labs provide state-of-the-art facilities, training and services to the UMB research community, collaborators, and industrial partners/users. These shared-user facilities provide direct access to specialized research equipment operated by expert staff with advanced degrees in science and engineering.

Strategically located within the CBOTH facilities and in downtown Baltimore, the Core Lab offers integrated solutions in nanoparticle synthesis, physico-chemical characterization, wet-chemistry support, drug release studies, stability studies, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and electrophoretic potential measurements. Our state-of-the-art capabilities will support rapid in vitro measurement of aqueous state synthetic (e.g. liposomes, gold nanoparticles) or biological nanoparticles (e.g. extracellular vesicles) through multiple physical parameters such as size, concentration, surface charge, and phenotype characteristics.

Capabilities

Services Offered

Nano-formulation/Synthesis Service

• Self-assembly in aq. Media
• Liposomes, micelles, LNPs
• Unimolecular synthesis
• Drug/CA encapsulation
• Knowledge-based synthesis of nanostructured material

Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis

• Zeta potential and surface charge analysis
• Aggregation analysis
• Chromophore detection
• Viscosity measurement
• Stability measurement – 60 days
• Drug encapsulation, release assay – 72hr
• Full blown synthesis and characterization
• Full blown toxicity assays and NCL assay cascade
• Time Resolved Nanoparticle Optical and Hyperspectral Microscopy
• Confirming nanoparticles in food containment systems and textiles and biological systems
• Evaluating nanoparticle characteristics
• Characterizing functional groups on nanoparticles
• Evaluating Nanorod Characteristics
• Self-operated use of nanocore equipment

Equipment

• UV-Vis Spectrophotometer
• Zetaview Particle tracking analyzer
• Lyophilizer

• Probe Sonicator

• PARR Apparatus-Hydrogen Generator

• Vacuum oven

• Evonik Lipase Liposome Extruder
• Recirculating chiller

• Rotary Evaporator

• Spectradyne ARC™ Nanoparticle Analyzer
  • Lipid nanoparticles and nanomedicine
  • Extracellular vesicles and Exosomes
  • Viral vector
  • Protein Aggregation
  • Fluorescence channels for FITC and PE
  • Particles subpopulations quantitation
  • Size range detection: 50 - 10,000 nm
  • Particle concentration detection: from 1E+4
  • Only 3 µL sample

• Particle Metrix Nanotracking Analyzer
  • Lipid nanoparticles and nanomedicine
  • Extracellular vesicles and Exosomes
  • Fluorescence channels at 488 and 660 nm wavelength
  • Particle concentration, size and surface charge (Zeta potential)

• 10 mL Extruder
  • Preparation of liposomes and lipid-based nanoparticles

Contact

For questions regarding CBOTH’s Nanofabrication and Characterization Core services, please contact:

Regina Adao
Lab Lead Research Specialist, CBOTH Nanofabrication and Characterization Core

Phone: 410-706-4531
Email: RAdao@som.umaryland.edu