The overarching goal of this project is to advance nanoparticle metrology by addressing the critical practical calibration shortage and decoding nanoparticle (NP) transport knowledge gaps

The National Institute of Standards and Technology awarded a $105,457.68 Cooperative Agreement to Theiss Research on August 15, 2026, under the Measurement and Engineering Research and Standards program (CFDA 11.609).

The award funds characterization of ultra-uniform gold nanoparticle candidate reference materials designed for calibrating single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (SPICP-MS). Theiss Research will validate this characterization using complementary particle tracking analysis to establish comparability and metrological traceability. The recipient will also systematically evaluate ionic and gold nanoparticle transport under varied experimental variables to develop a cohesive nanoparticle and aerosol transport model. The project will deliver improved reference materials and related measurements, validated measurement protocols, and a transport model addressing discrepancies commonly reported in literature. Technical findings will support active ballots and initiatives within ASTM Committee E56 and ISO Technical Committee 229.

Work is performed in La Jolla, California, with a period of performance running from the award date through August 14, 2027. The funding addresses critical gaps in nanoparticle metrology calibration to enable highly accurate particle size and number concentration measurements for industrial and regulatory communities across advanced manufacturing, nanomedicine, nanoelectronics, semiconductors, food packaging, nutrient delivery, and environmental or industrial analysis laboratories.

Activities

The project will characterize a series of ultra-uniform gold NP candidate reference materials (RMS) specifically designed for calibrating single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (SPICP-MS). This characterization will be validated alongside complementary particle tracking analysis (PTA) to establish comparability and rigorous metrological traceability. Furthermore, researchers will systematically evaluate ionic and gold NP transport under varied experimental variables to develop a cohesive NP/aerosol transport model.

Expected outcomes

The proposed work will deliver technical knowledge for both the dimensional and quantitative metrology of highly diluted ultra-uniform gold nanoparticles. Key outcomes include providing improved reference materials and related measurements, validated measurement protocols, and a cohesive transport model that accounts for transport results often reported in literature that show discrepancies. Additionally, the findings will provide a technical baseline to support active ballots and initiatives within astm committee E56 and ISO technical committee 229.

Intended beneficiaries

Any individual or organization relying on accurate measurements of particles at the nanoscale will benefit, including research institutes, industry, commerce, government, and regulatory communities. Specific sectors expected to be impacted include advanced manufacturing, nanomedicine, nanoelectronics, semiconductors, food packaging, nutrient delivery, and environmental or industrial routine analysis laboratories. Metrologists and researchers from other national metrology institutes and accredited laboratories will benefit as well.

Subrecipient activities

The recipient does not intend to subaward funds.