Breakthrough in the development of monodisperse silica particles in the micrometer size range
The present difficulties in synthesis of monodisperse silica particles in the size region above 1.5 µm are dumbbell formation, irregular particle morphology, broad size distributions, low yields, and process complexity. Scientists at microParticles GmbH succeeded in developing high-quality silica particles with particle diameters from 2 µm up to currently nominal 7 µm. The new processes are based on a modified sol-gel technique. The yielded particles possess the following features:
- Narrow particle size distributions (C.V. values ca. 5 %).
- Absolutely spherical shape (no formation of dumbbells or irregular particles).
- Non-porous, smooth surfaces.
- Density 1,85 g/cm3.
- Refractive index 1,42.
The Silica-particles come as 5 wt.-% aqueous dispersions or in dry powder form. They can be used in a variety of applications like nucleic acid isolation, biomolecule purification, and particle-based immunoassays.