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Title: Observation of two different fractal structures in nanoparticle, protein and surfactant complexes

Journal Article · · AIP Conference Proceedings
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4872531· OSTI ID:22269391

Small angle neutron scattering has been carried out from a complex of nanoparticle, protein and surfactant. Although all the components are similarly (anionic) charged, we have observed strong interactions in their complex formation. It is characterized by the coexistence of two different mass fractal structures. The first fractal structure is originated from the protein and surfactant interaction and second from the depletion effect of first fractal structure leading the nanoparticle aggregation. The fractal structure of protein-surfactant complex represents to bead necklace structure of micelle-like clusters of surfactant formed along the unfolded protein chain. Its fractal dimension depends on the surfactant to protein ratio (r) and decreases with the increase in r. However, fractal dimension of nanoparticle aggregates in nanoparticle-protein complex is found to be independent of protein concentration and governed by the diffusion limited aggregation like morphology.

OSTI ID:
22269391
Journal Information:
AIP Conference Proceedings, Vol. 1591, Issue 1; Conference: 58. DAE solid state physics symposium 2013, Patiala, Punjab (India), 17-21 Dec 2013; Other Information: (c) 2014 AIP Publishing LLC; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0094-243X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English