A method for assessing nanomaterial dispersion quality based on principal component analysis of particle size distribution data

摘要

Seemingly contradictory findings between studies are a major issue in nanoecotoxicological research and have been explained as a result of the lack of comparability between assay methods,with dispersion of nanomaterials being identified as a key factor.Here we show the use of a multivariate method,principal component analysis(PCA),as a tool in protocol development and categorization of dispersion quality.Results show the significance of particle concentration within a protocol,and its effect on repeatability.Our results suggest that future studies should involve the use of PCA as a powerful data exploration tool to facilitate method development,comparability and integration of data across different laboratories.