Model colloid system for interfacial sorption kinetics

Published

March 24, 2015

Author(s)

Paul NMN Salipante, Steven D Hudson

Abstract

Adsorption kinetics of nanometer scale molecules, such as proteins at interfaces, is usually determined through measurements of surface coverage. Their small size limits the ability to directly observe individual molecule behavior. Hence, the effect of molecule shape, orientation, and multiple molecule interactions can only be inferred. To better understand these effects, we use micron size colloids with a weak interfacial interaction potential as a model system. Thus, the interaction strength is comparable to many nanoscale systems (less than 10 kbT). The colloid-interface interaction potential is tuned using a combination of depletion, electrostatic, and gravitational forces. The colloids transition between an entropically trapped adsorbed state and a desorbed state through Brownian motion. Observations are made using an LED-based Total Internal Reflection Microscopy (TIRM) setup. The observed adsorption and desorption rates are compared to theoretical predictions based on the measured interaction potential and near wall particle diffusivity. This experimental system also allows for the study of more complex dynamics such as nonspherical colloids and collective effects at higher concentrations.

Citation

Langmuir

Volume

31

Issue

11

Pub Type

Journals

Download Paper

https://doi.org/10.1021/la504821y

Citation

, P. and , S. (2015), Model colloid system for interfacial sorption kinetics, Langmuir, [online], https://doi.org/10.1021/la504821y (Accessed April 24, 2024)