Separation Science: Principles and Applications for the Analysis of Bionanoparticles by Asymmetrical Flow Field-Flow Fractionation (AF4)

Field-flow fractionation is an analytical technique that allows the separation of particles over a size range, from a few nanometers to several microns in diameter. The separation takes place under mild conditions and is suited for the analysis of neutral or charged particles. A single measurement yields the size and concentration of each component of a mixture. However, developing a suitable fractionation method can be tedious and time-consuming. In this chapter, we present asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) conditions that have proven their reliability for the analysis of quantum dots and other nanoparticles in the 5–50 nm size range. Common pitfalls are emphasized together with strategies to overcome them.