Measuring Size and Number Concentration of Metallic Nanoparticles using SP-ICP-MS

This protocol describes how to measure the size and concentration of individual metallic nanoparticles using ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry) in single particle (SP) mode. Accurately determining the size of individual nanoparticles on a per particle basis both quickly and accurately is an ever-increasing need within nanoparticle characterization. ICP-MS is capable of measuring a broad range of nanoparticle sizes with high resolution, thus allowing the measurement of multiple particle populations for the quality assessment of nanoformulations. Additionally, SP-ICP-MS can accurately determine particle concentrations without the need for concentration standards.