Nanoparticle Formation

This research area focuses on environmentally sustainable and biologically-based methods for synthesizing nanoparticles—commonly termed biosynthesis or green synthesis—and contrasts these with traditional physical and chemical approaches. The theme emphasizes the significance of non-toxic, cost-efficient, and facile nanoparticle fabrication using biological entities such as plants, fungi, bacteria, and enzymes, which often result in biocompatible and shape-controlled nanoparticles. Understanding these biosynthetic mechanisms and their benefits is critical for advancing biomedical applications and reducing the toxicological and environmental risks typically associated with conventional synthesis methods.

This theme investigates the underlying physicochemical principles, mechanisms, and process parameters governing nanoparticle formation via traditional or advanced physical (top-down) and chemical (bottom-up) synthesis techniques. It addresses how variables such as precursor concentration, temperature, energy input, and surfactants modulate nucleation rates, particle size distribution, morphology, and colloidal stability. Understanding these factors is essential for tailoring nanoparticles with desired functional properties for technological applications.

This theme targets the issue of nanoparticle agglomeration—both during synthesis and subsequent processing—and how it compromises the effective surface area, dispersion, and thus performance in applications such as drug delivery, catalysis, and composite materials. It covers fundamental understanding of agglomerate morphology, formation mechanisms, and the role of drying and mechanical processes. It also evaluates mixing and deagglomeration techniques including fluidized beds, ultrasonication, and rapid expansion from supercritical suspensions (RESS), aiming to achieve stable, homogeneous nanoparticle dispersions essential for reliable functional performance.