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Metal nanoparticles

Metal and metal oxide nanoparticles are reshaping advanced drug delivery systems and medical devices with their unique properties and versatile platforms for targeted interventions and diagnostic imaging.

Why Inorganic Process Development Analytical Development Our Experience
Inorganic Nanoparticles

Pioneers in advanced drug delivery and diagnostic imaging

In the dynamic landscape of nanomedicine, metal-based and inorganic nanoparticles emerge as pioneers, reshaping the possibilities of advanced drug delivery systems and medical devices.

Engineered from materials such as gold, silver, iron oxide and silica, inorganic nanoparticles bring a unique set of properties to the forefront of nanomedicine. These nanoparticles offer a versatile platform for targeted drug delivery, diagnostic imaging and therapeutic interventions.

Inorganic nanoparticles frequently have their surfaces coated with a broad modality of organic small molecules or polymers, which provide biocompatibility, enhanced stability and opportunities for specific surface functionalization chemistry and introduction of active payloads and targeting handles.

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Why Inorganic Nanoparticles

Why use metal and metal oxide nanoparticles?

The application of inorganic nanoparticles provides access to unique physicochemical properties such as high surface area per unit volume and unique optical and magnetic properties.

Inorganic nanoparticles can be functionalized with various specific ligands to enhance their affinity towards target cells or molecules.

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Process Development

Our expertise in metal and metal oxide nanoparticle development

We bring deep hands-on experience in the synthesis and process development of inorganic nanoparticles across a broad range of materials — metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, silica and silicate-based systems, and other emerging modalities. Our team works closely with you to design the right system for your therapeutic goal and target indication, and to take that design from laboratory-scale synthesis through to scalable, reproducible manufacturing. Surface functionalisation, coating chemistry, payload incorporation — all developed and characterised under one program.

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Analytical Development

Our analytical expertise

Our analytical team brings specialist expertise in the characterisation of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles — from the inorganic core through surface coatings and encapsulated payloads. We quantify and characterise the inorganic components, polymer or lipid coatings, and APIs including small molecules, oligonucleotides, and peptides. Orthogonal techniques for particle size distribution, morphology, surface charge, and magnetic properties ensure thorough characterisation aligned with regulatory expectations.

Ardena analytical laboratory characterizing metal nanoparticles
  • Appearance: Visual
  • Identity: FT-IR
  • Identification and quantification of (encapsulated) API and related impurities:
  • Small-molecule drugs: LC-UV/CAD/MS
  • Peptide/proteins: LC-UV/MS, AAA
  • Oligonucleotides: IPLC-UV/MS, RiboGreen
  • Quantification of inorganic components: AAS, ICP-OES
  • Quantification of organic carbon: TOC
  • Magnetic susceptibility: Magnetic balance
  • Particle size distribution: DLS, AF4/SEC-MALS, TEM
  • Morphology: AF4/SEC-MALS, TEM, XRD
  • Surface properties: ELS (zeta potential)
  • Elemental impurities: ICP-MS
  • Residual solvents: GC-HS, GC-FID/MS
  • Solution properties (pH, osmolality), in vitro release, microbiological control: USP/Ph. Eur.

We stay at the forefront of advances in inorganic nanomedicine analytics — and we collaborate directly with your team to understand what your specific program requires, not just what a standard platform can deliver.

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Our Experience

Ardena expertise and success stories

Our commitment to excellence is evident in our successful track record with inorganic nanoparticles. Ardena has played a pivotal role in advancing numerous projects, including:

A Tailored synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles

Thermal decomposition and coprecipitation synthesis processes for iron oxide-based nanoparticles, including engineered polymer coatings for stability, hydrophilicity and further functionalization with a wide range of payloads.

B Advanced functionalization of noble metal nanoparticles

Surface-stabilized noble metal (e.g., gold) nanoparticles incorporating a variety of stabilizing and functionalizing chemical modalities.

C Precision generation of silica-based particles

Stöber processes for the generation of silica-based particles of various sizes with further opportunities for surface modification and loading strategies.

Insights

Related resources

Our expert team members share their deep, scientific understanding and insights into nanomedicine development and manufacturing.

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info@ardena.com