Why is Surface Charge Important in Nanotechnology?
The significance of surface charge in nanotechnology cannot be overstated. Firstly, it influences the stability of colloidal systems. Nanoparticles in suspension can aggregate if their surface charges are not sufficiently repulsive. This is essential in applications like drug delivery and diagnostic imaging, where the stability of nanoparticles is critical. Secondly, surface charge affects the interaction of nanoparticles with biological systems. For instance, positively charged nanoparticles are more likely to interact with negatively charged cell membranes, which can be leveraged for targeted drug delivery. Conversely, negatively charged nanoparticles might be used to reduce non-specific interactions.
