Nanoparticle tracking analysis versus dynamic light scattering: Case study on the effect of Ca2+ and alginate on the aggregation of cerium oxide nanoparticles

The effect of Ca 2+ and alginate on the stability of CeO 2 nanoparticles (NPs) was investigated using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA); the two methods were then compared. DLS showed rapid aggregation of CeO 2 NPs in 8 mM Ca 2+ solution; however, NTA showed that some primary aggregates (200–400 nm) still remained—a result that was obscured in DLS measurements. Aggregation of alginate molecules was also studied using DLS and NTA, where NTA particle concentration and video provided additional information on the alginate aggregation progress. Finally, DLS showed that in the presence of alginate, the aggregation rate and size of CeO 2 NPs increased. NTA intensity measurements provided insight into a heteroaggregation and bridging mechanism. NTA particle concentration and video also showed CeO 2 NPs were linked by alginate gel in high Ca 2+ concentration (>4 mM). the DLS and NTA had different advantages in measuring particle size. DLS could better study the initial aggregation stage and large aggregates, while NTA could better detect small aggregates. NTA also measured particle number concentration, individual intensity, and particle motion video, which provided additional insight. Combining these two methods could help us to better understand the behavior and fate of NPs in water.