Explain me the reasons and factors that cause aggregation of graphene oxide nanoparticles.
It is well-established that graphene oxide nanoparticles (GONPs) tend to form aggregates when exposed to biological fluids. Some of the factors that lead to the clustering of GONPs are as follows:
1). There is a possibility that GONPs have a surface charge owing to the presence of oxygen-containing functional groups, which might result in electrostatic interactions. Aggregation may be facilitated by electrostatic interactions between charged nanoparticles when attractive forces prevail over repulsive ones.
2). Interactions with Biomolecules: GONPs in Biological Solutions Proteins, DNA, and Lipids. Protein corona creation or biomolecule adsorption onto the nanoparticle surface may both result from these interactions, as can the subsequent aggregation of the nanoparticles.
3). Hydrophobic interactions: The sp2 carbon structure of GONPs gives them hydrophobic areas. The aggregation of GONPs in aqueous solutions is driven by hydrophobic interactions between these areas.
Nanoparticle size, concentration, surface functionalization, and the precise biological solution all have a role in how GONPs behave when aggregated. The potential of GONPs in biological applications cannot be fully realized without first understanding and then managing these parameters.
The aggregation of graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles in biological solutions can be attributed to several factors: GO nanoparticles may have charged functional groups on their surface, leading to electrostatic interactions with ions or charged biomolecules in the biological solution, causing them to aggregate. Attractive van der Waals forces between GO nanoparticles can cause them to come together and form aggregates in the solution. The π-π stacking interactions between the graphene layers in GO nanoparticles can promote aggregation, especially in the presence of other aromatic molecules in the biological solution. When GO nanoparticles come into contact with biomolecules, such as proteins, a protein corona can form around the nanoparticles, facilitating their agglomeration. Changes in pH and ionic strength of the biological solution can influence the surface charge of GO nanoparticles, affecting their stability and leading to aggregation. Biological molecules, like DNA or proteins, can adsorb onto the surface of GO nanoparticles and act as bridging agents, causing the nanoparticles to aggregate. Higher concentrations of GO nanoparticles in the solution can increase the likelihood of aggregation, especially when they surpass the critical aggregation concentration. Additionally, smaller nanoparticles are more prone to aggregation due to higher surface area and weaker inter-particle forces.
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