Synthesis of Organic and Bioorganic Nanoparticles: An Overview of the Preparation Methods

Abstract

Since the emergence of Nanotechnology in the past decades, the development and design of organic and bioorganic nanomaterials has become an important field of research. Such materials find many applications in a wide range of domains such as electronic, photonic, or biotechnology, which contribute to impact our society and our way of life. The improvement of properties and the discovery of new functionalities are key goals that cannot be obtained without a well controlled and a better understanding of the preparation methods which constitute the starting point of the design of a specific organic material. In this context, this chapter gives a general but non-exhaustive overview of the methods of preparation of organic and bioorganic nanoparticles. Some general definitions about organic nanoparticles and description of organic compounds are given before describing the most common methods used divided into two families, the two-step and one-step procedures. The major part of the two-step procedures is based on an emulsification step followed by generation of nanoparticles through different mechanisms such as precipitation, gelation, or polymerization. The one-step procedures are founded on generation of nanoparticles through different techniques such as nanoprecipitation, desolvation, or drying processes without preliminary emulsification step. For each method, the description is supported by several examples and focused on the explanation of the general mechanisms and of the major key parameters involved in the control of the nanoparticles formation. In addition, since emergence and improvement of syntheses are often associated to development of experimental setups, technological aspects are also mentioned.