Stabilization of detonation nanodiamonds hydrosol in physiological media with poly(vinylpyrrolidone)

A simple method of stabilization of detonation nanodiamonds in isotonic aqueous-saline media was found, being a solution of an actual task for biomedical applications. The stable colloid of detonation nanodiamond particles with negative ζ-potential in isotonic medium can be produced by complexes formation with poly(vinylpyrrolidone). The mean size of the complexes is 30–35 nm. The stability conditions of the complexes were defined and their structure was determined by small-angle neutron scattering. The obtained hydrosols of nanodiamond particles are stable in physiological medium and can be used in biological researches and in medicine as drug carriers. [Display omitted] •Detonation nanodiamond (DND)/poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) complexes were investigated.•A stable suspension in isotonic medium was obtained at CPVP/CDND > 0.27.•Structure of DND/PVP complexes was studied by small-angle neutron scattering.•The achieved size 30–35 nm for complexes is the smallest known for DND in isotonic medium.•The obtained complexes are suitable for biomedical applications.