Determining Shapes and Sizes Using TEM Images: Functionalized Nanoparticles

Functionalized nanoparticles to be used for drug delivery must undergo specific verifications in accordance to preestablished requirements. Acquiring TEM (transmission electron microscopy) imaging dealing with nanoparticles functionalization, it is possible to encounter possible faults in the shape of the nanoparticles due to surplus of materials or loss in doses of the materials. Even if the functionalizing instrumentation is equipped with dedicated systems acting accordingly, a further “check and balance” process could be useful using for instance imaging. The paper illustrates the application of an optimized and automatic segmentation technique for determining shapes and sizes the aforementioned nanoparticles.