Patent ID: 8883122
Filing Date: 2014-11-11
Classification: A61K,B82Y

Abstract:
1. A method of forming nanoparticle clusters of nanoparticles of at least a first and a second type, the method comprising: a. providing in a first step, a plurality of individually coated nanoparticles of a first type in suspension, the nanoparticles being coated with a plurality of surfactant molecules; b. providing in a second step, a plurality of nanoparticles of a second type into the suspension of nanoparticles of the first type, the second type being different from the first type; c. surface activating individual ones of the plurality of nanoparticles of the first type by desorption of surfactant molecules from the surface of the coated nanoparticles through exposure of individual ones of the plurality of nanoparticles of the first type to an activating agent; d. allowing, through the expiration of time, activated nanoparticles to combine to form clusters of nanoparticles through a physical interaction, and e. terminating the formation of nanoparticle clusters by one of bringing the plurality of nanoparticles of the second type into contact with the nanoparticles of the first type, or removing the suspension from contact with the activating agent, or introducing nanoparticles of a third type into the suspension, and wherein the formed nanoparticle clusters comprise nanocomposites with identifiable individual nanoparticles of the first type, individual nanoparticles of the second type and surfactant molecules.