Large molecular aggregates: From atmospheric aerosols to drug nanoparticles

Phys Chem Chem Phys. 2006 Sep 28;8(36):4149-65. doi: 10.1039/b608433h. Epub 2006 Aug 3.

Abstract

Large molecular aggregates with sizes ranging from subnanometers to microns are ubiquitous. As atmospheric aerosols they influence our climate, in interstellar space they are discussed as reactive sites, and in medicine small particles are considered as promising candidates to achieve a targeted drug delivery. The present contribution is focused on the characterization of the physical-chemical properties of these particles and on their targeted generation. One of the greatest challenges is to understand the properties of these aggregates on a molecular level. The latter point is discussed in detail focussing on the vibrational dynamics of these particles.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aerosols / chemistry*
  • Atmosphere / chemistry*
  • Drug Carriers / chemistry*
  • Macromolecular Substances / chemistry*
  • Models, Chemical*
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Nanostructures / ultrastructure*
  • Particle Size

Substances

  • Aerosols
  • Drug Carriers
  • Macromolecular Substances