**2.1 Nanoparticle taxonomy**

Nanoparticles are categorized in three classes: 1D nanoparticles, e.g. thin film 1–100 nm or monolayer/manufactured surfaces used in solar cell technology, chemical/biological sensors, information storage systems, magneto-optic and optical device and fibre-optics [1, 15]; 2D nanoparticles, e.g. carbon nanotubes; and 3D nanoparticles like dendrimer, quantum dot and carbon-60/fullerene [1, 7, 8, 15]. Nanoparticles are characterized through their size/shape, morphology and surface charge, by means of sophisticated microscopic systems, viz. atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, etc. [15]. Varied size distribution, average particle diameter and charges of nanoparticles are found to affect physical stability besides in vivo distribution. Electron microscopy gives information about its surface morphology, size and overall shape. Stability and re-dispersibility of the polymer dispersion and in vivo performance get affected by surface charge of reconfigured nanoparticles. Such nanoparticles characterized by assorted methodology are revealed. Nanoparticle size portrayal can be evaluated by particle size distribution and morphology, while electron microscopy ascertains both the morphology and size. Application of nanoparticles in drug release and drug targeting can be conveniently determined by various tools. Size

of nanoparticle owns reflective consequence during the drug release applications. Small-size nanoparticles possess larger surface area and impart fast and significant drug release through drug carrying phenomenon as tiny particles get amassed during storage and dispersive transportation [16]. Thus the mutual compromise of upmost stability and pertaining small size is favored in reconfigurated nanosize materials [1–16]. Surface charge and intensity parameters decide electrostatic interaction of reconfigured nanoparticles with biological milieu or bioactive samples.
