Several high throughput techniques are widely utilized in nanotechnology research:
1. High Throughput Screening (HTS)
HTS involves the rapid testing of large numbers of samples for specific properties or biological activities. For example, HTS can be used to evaluate the
cytotoxicity of various nanoparticles in cell cultures, helping to identify potential
drug delivery candidates.
2. Combinatorial Chemistry
This technique involves the systematic generation of a large library of compounds by combining different building blocks. In nanotechnology, combinatorial chemistry can be employed to create diverse nanoparticle libraries, which can then be screened for optimal physical, chemical, or biological properties.
3. Automated Synthesis Platforms
Automated platforms can synthesize nanomaterials under a range of conditions, such as different temperatures, pressures, and reactant concentrations. These platforms often incorporate
robotic systems to handle multiple reactions simultaneously, vastly increasing throughput.
4. Microarray Technology
Microarrays involve the arrangement of a large number of nanomaterial samples on a single substrate, allowing for parallel analysis. For instance,
DNA microarrays can be used to study the interactions between nanoparticles and genetic material, providing insights into their potential therapeutic applications.
