What is Zeta Potential
Zeta potential of nanoparticles is a key indicator of the stability of colloidal dispersions, representing the electrical potential at the slipping plane of particles in suspension (colloquially “surface charge”). It influences the balance between attractive van der Waals forces and repulsive electrostatic forces, i.e. it reflects how strongly particles repel or attract each other, influencing properties like agglomeration and sedimentation. The zeta potential directly correlates to surface charge, which is crucial for particle stability due to electrostatic forces. When the zeta potential is higher than absolute 25 mV, the suspension is considered stable and less likely to aggregate.
Understanding zeta potential is critical for ensuring consistent product performance and longevity in industries like pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and materials science. It helps to optimize formulations, reduce aggregation, and predict the behavior of particles in complex environments. Additionally, zeta potential NTA (Z-NTA) analysis is valuable for monitoring the quality of synthesis steps, especially when particles are conjugated with proteins or dyes, providing insight into surface modifications and ensuring reproducibility. Key Attributes of Zeta Potential:
Reflects Surface Charge and Sample Stability: Zeta potential indicates the magnitude of electrostatic repulsion or attraction between particles, influencing dispersion stability.
Predicts Aggregation and Sedimentation: Understanding zeta potential helps predict longevity and prevent unwanted particle agglomeration.
Characterizes Various Materials: Zeta potential is used to analyze a wide range of samples, including nanoparticles and complex biological particles like extracellular vesicles (EVs).