Sonochemical synthesis of gold nanoparticles on chitosan

Au nanoparticles deposited on chitosan were readily prepared from aqueous solution of NaAuCl₄ containing chitosan powder by the reaction with sonochemically formed reducing species. The average size of the formed Au particles was measured to be 22 nm with a relatively narrow size distribution, although there was no specific stabilizer for Au nanoparticles.     

Efficient one pot synthesis of chitosan-induced gold nanoparticles by microwave irradiation

An efficient and rapid method for the preparation of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) within a few minutes has been developed by direct microwave irradiation of HAuCl₄ and chitosan mixed solution in one pot. Herein, chitosan molecules acted as both the reducing and stabilizing agent for the preparation of AuNPs. The obtained AuNPs have different shapes, such as the spherical nanoparticles, triangular nanoplates and nanorods, which were characterized by ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Additionally, the results showed that microwave power could affect the required time for preparing the AuNPs arising from the distinction of heating rate, and long irradiation time was favorable for complete reduction of HAuCl₄ when a low microwave power was applied.     

A cholesterol biosensor based on gold nanoparticles decorated functionalized graphene nanoplatelets

The fabrication of a cholesterol biosensor using gold nanoparticles decorated graphene nanoplatelets has been reported. Thermally exfoliated graphene nanoplatelets act as a suitable support for the deposition of Au nanoparticles. Cholesterol biosensor electrodes have been constructed with nafion solubilized functionalized graphene nanoplatelets (f-G) as well as Au nanoparticles decorated f-G, immobilized over glassy carbon electrode. f-G and Au/f-G thin film deposited glassy carbon electrodes were further functionalized with cholesterol oxidase by physical adsorption. Au nanoparticles dispersed over f-G demonstrate the ability to substantially raise the response current. The fabricated electrodes have been tested for their electrochemical performance at a potential of 0.2 V. The fabricated Au/f-G based cholesterol biosensor exhibits sensitivity of 314 nA/μM cm² for the detection of cholesterol with a linear response up to 135 μM. Furthermore, it has been observed that the biosensor exhibits a good anti-interference ability and favorable stability over a month's period.     

Biomimetic fabrication of gold nanoparticles on templated indole-3-acetic acid based nanofibers

Self-assembly of the phytohormone indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) was examined in aqueous solutions of varying pH values. Further, it was observed that IAA biomimetically reduced Au ions leading to the formation of Au nanoparticles at a pH range of 4-9. It was found that at a pH range of 4-7, uniform spherical gold nanoparticles in the size ranges of 20-30 nm were obtained, while under basic conditions, a high degree of aggregation was observed. In addition, we conjugated IAA with the organic linker 1,4-diaminobutane in order to enhance the attachment of Au ions to the IAA moiety via the free amino group and examined its self-assembly. In general, higher yields of nanofibers were formed upon self-assembly of the amide conjugate, with lengths in the micron range. Further, it was observed that the Au nanoparticles formed in the presence of the self-assembled amide conjugates were uniformly coated, leading to the formation of uniform gold nanowires. Thus, a new class of materials based on IAA and IAA-amide conjugates could be efficiently used for formation of gold nanoparticles using environmentally friendly mild synthetic methods in the absence of harsh reducing agents. Such materials may have potential applications in optoelectronics, bioimaging and sensing.     

Controlling the aggregation behavior of gold nanoparticles

The aggregation of Au nanoparticles (NPs) in solution is influenced by cationic and oligocationic species. The polarization of the conduction electron oscillations in adjacent gold nanoparticles causes a new red-shifted plasmon absorbance attributed to the coupling of the plasmon absorbance of the particles. This appearance of an additional plasmon band is of particular interest to the field of SERS and has led to research works directed at the stabilization of small colloid aggregates in solution. The surface plasmon coupling can be tuned by controlling the aggregation of gold nanoparticles by the addition of some “cross-linking” agent. Here we develop a simple method to fabricate linear-chainlike aggregates of gold nanoparticles (so-called nanochains), tuning the linear optical properties in a wide wavelength range from visible to the near-infrared. The aggregation behavior and linear self-assembly mechanism of citrate-stabilized gold colloids as provoked by the addition of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA) are also analyzed. The line-assembly mechanism of gold nanochain is attributed to the preferential binding of CTAB molecules on a certain facet of gold NPs and the Au NP electrostatic interactions. We also found that the 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid was effective to prevent the further aggregation of CTAB-modified gold colloids.     

Bio-directed synthesis of gold nanoparticles using Ananas comosus aqueous leaf extract and their photocatalytic activity for LDPE degradation

A bio-directed synthesis of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) was developed via the reduction of hydrogen tetrachloroaurate (III) (HAuCl₄·3H₂O) solution by the aqueous leaf extract of Ananas comosus. The polyphenol stabilized Au NPs were characterized by UV–visible, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD)/selected area electron diffraction (SAED), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analyses. The HRTEM images revealed that Au NPs were well dispersed with spherical structures. The size ranges from 7.39 to 32.09 nm with average particle size of 18.85 ± 6.74 nm. The peaks of XRD analysis at (2θ) 37.96°, 44.06°, 64.54°, 77.50° and 81.73° were respectively assigned to (1 1 1), (2 0 0), (2 2 0), (3 1 1) and (2 2 2) planes of the face-centered cubic (fcc) lattice of gold. The photocatalytic potential of Au NPs was studied through the solid-phase degradation of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) film. The photoinduced degradation of LDPE@Au nanocomposite film was higher than that of the pure LDPE film. The weight loss of LDPE@Au (1.0 wt%) nanocomposite film steadily increased and reached 51.4 ± 4.8% in 240 h under solar light irradiation, compared to the photo-induced LDPE with only 8.6 ± 0.7%. However, LDPE film with 1.0% Au NPs gave a weight loss value of 4.72 ± 0.71 under the dark condition at the end of 240 h. Thus, LDPE film with 1.0% Au NPs showed a degradation efficiency of 90.8% under solar irradiation after 240 h. The sustainability of the nanoparticles was confirmed through reusability in the photocatalytic degradation reaction up to five consecutive cycles without substantial loss in its catalytic performance.     

Piezoelectric immunosensor based on gold nanoparticles capped with mixed self-assembled monolayer for detection of carcinoembryonic antigen

It is very important for a piezoelectric immunosensor to increase specific binding and decrease nonspecific adsorption. This study presents the development of such a piezoelectric immunosensor for the detection of carcinoembryonic antigen. An AT-cut quartz crystal's Au electrode surface was first modified with homogenous self-assembled monolayer of cysteamine (CE). Gold nanoparticles capped with mixed self-assembled monolayer of CE and MH (6-mercapto-1-haxanol) were then attached to the CE monolayer via glutaraldehyde (GA). Antibodies were immobilized onto a mixed self-assembled monolayer of CE and MH with GA as a reactive intermediate too. The binding of target antigens onto the immobilized antibodies decreased the sensor's resonant frequency, and the frequency shift was correlated to the antigen concentration. The stepwise assembly of the immunosensor was characterized by means of cyclic voltammetry technique. This immunoassay was shown to be specific and sensitive, thus providing a viable alternative to carcinoembryonic antigen detection method.     

Spatio-selective surface modification of glass assisted by laser-induced deposition of gold nanoparticles

Using pulsed laser irradiation (532 nm), dodecanethiol-capped gold nanoparticles (DT-Au) were deposited on the laser-irradiated region of a hydrophobic glass substrate modified with dimethyloctadecylchlorosilane (DMOS). After removal of deposited DT-Au, the laser-deposited region on the substrate was hydrophilic, as verified by static water contact angles. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy suggested that the naked glass surface was not exposed at the hydrophilic region. Immersion of the substrate into gold nanorod (NR) solution selectively immobilized NRs on the hydrophilic surface via electrostatic interactions, indicating that the hydrophilic region was an anionic surface. From these results, it is expected that some immobilized DMOS groups on the laser-irradiated region of the substrate were oxidized during DT-Au deposition and fragmentation of the deposited DT-Au.     

Synthesis process of gold nanoparticles in solution plasma

We describe the dynamics of the synthesis of gold nanoparticles by a glow discharge in aqueous solutions. A pulsed power supply was used to generate discharges in the aqueous solutions. The initial [AuCl₄]⁻ ion concentration and the voltage applied between the electrodes were varied. The [AuCl₄]⁻ ion was reduced by the H radicals generated in the discharge. The reduction rates were calculated from the changes in the [AuCl₄]⁻ ion concentration during the discharge time. Dendrite-shaped nanoparticles of about 150 nm size were formed in discharge during 1 min. The pH of the solution decreased gradually with the increase of the discharge time. The decrease in pH led to the dissolution of gold nanoparticles. The reduction and the dissolution rates increased proportionately with the applied voltage. The size of the gold nanoparticles decreased at 20 nm after running the discharge during 45 min. Moreover gold nanoparticles with exotic shapes, such as triangle, pentagon, and hexagon were also observed. The particles were confirmed to be as polycrystalline gold nanoparticles by electron diffraction patterns. In summary, when the reduction rate lowered as a result of dissolution, anisotropic nanoparticles were formed and continued to grow in size in the solution.     

Preparation of antibody-conjugated gold nanoparticles

We here describe a method for the simple synthesis of gold nanoparticles (~ 10 nm in diameter) conjugated with antibody to E. coli O157:H7. Gold nanoparticles with pendant carboxylic acid and alcohol functional groups were synthesized and characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and infrared spectroscopy. These nanoparticles were then reacted with anti-E. coli O157:H7, using EDC coupling chemistry, and the product was characterized with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Furthermore, binding of the antibody-gold conjugates to E. coli O157:H7 was demonstrated using transmission electron microscopy.     

Conductive thin film multilayers of gold on glass formed by self-assembly of multiple size gold nanoparticles

Highly conductive thin films of gold have been fabricated on glass substrates by the deposition of gold nanoparticles of two different diameters. A deposition sequence, alternating between 2.6-nm and 12-nm diameter particles, was used whereby the 2.6-nm particles served to fill in the gaps created by the assembly of the larger 12-nm diameter particles. The resulting thin films, with thicknesses of less than 35 nm, displayed high conductivities, yet were fabricated in substantially fewer deposition cycles than required by previous methods. Analysis of surface morphology performed by atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy showed that the high conductivity is the result of a less porous surface structure than can be achieved through the layering of a single size nanoparticle. Conductivity analysis was performed by 4-point probe with resistivities of 5.00 ± 0.4 × 10^− 6 Ω m for 5 layers and 4.49 ± 0.2 × 10^− 6 Ω m for the 6-layer films.     

Green synthesis of gold nanoparticles using ethanolic leaf extract of Centella asiatica

Here, we report a novel use of the ethanolic leaf extract of Centella asiatica to produce gold nanoparticles by reduction of AuCl₄⁻ ions. The phytochemicals present in the leaf extract served as effective reducing and capping agent. The gold nanoparticles obtained were characterized by UV-visible spectra, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). TEM studies showed the particles to be of various shapes and sizes. Selected-area electron diffraction (SAED) pattern and high-resolution TEM image confirmed a fcc phase and high crystallinity of the particles. The XRD patterns showed a (1 1 1) preferential orientation of the gold nanoparticles. Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR) measurements showed the GNPs having a coating of phenolic compounds indicating a possible role of biomolecules responsible for capping and efficient stabilization of the gold nanoparticles. As no synthetic reagents were used in this method, the synthesized gold nanoparticles have potential for application in bio-molecular imaging and therapy.     

Deposition of gold nanoparticles upon bare and indium tin oxide film coated glass based on annealing process

We presented a simple and efficient strategy for deposition of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) upon transparent bare and indium tin oxide (ITO) film coated glass substrate using gold colloids as Au sources. The method involved two steps: embedding in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film and annealing at high temperature. The AuNPs deposited on solid substrate because of migration and coalescence of gold at high temperature. The optical and structural properties of the AuNPs were characterised by UV-vis absorption spectra and scanning electron microscopy. The results indicate that the surface of AuNPs upon substrate was clean as annealing at 600?°C for 0.5?h. The size of AuNPs deposited on ITO glass increased with annealing time and volume of PVA-AuNPs. Meanwhile, the localised surface plasmon resonance peak of AuNPs deposited on substrate was also gradual red-shift. In addition, the size of AuNPs deposited on ITO substrate was larger than that on bare glass. This work provides a simple, low-cost and large-scale method for fabrication of substrate-based AuNPs, which is benefit for exploiting biosensors, photonic devices and optoelectronic devices.     

Synthesis of symmetrical hexagonal-shape PbO nanosheets using gold nanoparticles

Anisotropic growth of PbO with symmetrical hexagonal-shape nanosheet morphology was demonstrated for the first time via solution phase synthesis in the presence of Au nanoparticles at room temperature. Au NPs play a critical role in the formation of PbO nanosheets. No nanosheets were formed in absence of Au NPs. The effect of Au NPs appears to result from their ability to provide nucleation sites to seed anisotropic growth of the PbO nanocrystals and later the nanocrystals aggregated to form nanosheet structure. The method demonstrated here provides a facile room temperature colloidal method of producing high-quality and yield of high-symmetrical hexagonal-shape PbO nanosheets with controlled edge length.     

Growth of two-dimensional arrays of uncapped gold nanoparticles on silicon substrates

A method of preparing large area patterned 2D arrays of uncapped gold (Au) nanoparticles has been developed. The pattern has been formed using self-assembly of uncapped Au nanoparticles. The Au nanoparticles were synthesized via toluene/water two phase systems using a reducing agent and colloidal solution of Au nanoparticles was produced. These nanoparticles have been prepared without using any kind of capping agent. Analysis by TEM showed discrete Au nanoparticles of 4 nm average diameter. AFM analysis also showed similar result. The TEM studies showed that these nanoparticles formed self-assembled coherent patterns with dimensions exceeding 500 nm. Spin coating on silicon substrate by suitably adjusting the speed can self-assemble these nanoparticles to lengths exceeding 1 μm.     

Fabrication of a surface plasmon resonance biosensor based on gold nanoparticles chemisorbed onto a 1,10-decanedithiol self-assembled monolayer

We have investigated the fabrication of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensors using self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) and adsorbed gold nanoparticles. The SAM of 1,10-decanedithiol was first fabricated onto a gold substrate. Gold nanoparticles were then chemisorbed onto the SAM surface by bonding with the terminal thiol groups, forming a sensor that can be used to immobilize proteins. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was used as a test protein in this study. Several spectroscopic and microscopic techniques were used to investigate both the SAM and the chemisorption of gold nanoparticles at the SAM surface. Our results confirm the covalent bonding of the gold nanoparticles onto the SAM. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) was used to study both the adsorption of BSA to the SAM surface and to the gold nanoparticle-coated SAM. For SAM surfaces with adsorbed gold nanoparticles a larger SPR response to BSA than to the sensors with a bare SAM is observed.     

Design of pH-responsive gold nanoparticles in oncology

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) hold promising applications in many fields such as electronics, optics and catalysis. In the past decades, there has been a growing interest for their application in medicine, in particular in nano-oncology as contrast agents, drug delivery vehicles or for diagnosis. Once injected intravenously and thanks to their small size, the AuNPs can circulate in the whole body via the blood stream and reach easily the tumour. However, what makes them very attractive for cancer treatment is their ability to distinguish healthy cells from cancer cells. While the current anticancer agents lack specific targeting, AuNPs, with their targeting efficiency, will enable the use of lower amount of drugs with all the positive aspects for the health of the patient. Additionally, their optical properties give them the ability to be used in imaging as an incredibly powerful contrast agent. For these reasons, they are believed to be one of the tools that, in the future, will enable to considerably increase the efficiency of cancer treatments by simultaneously imaging the tumour and treat it. They constitute an ideal theranostic drug delivery platform, in other words a unique combination of diagnostics and therapy. Many researches focus on the engineering of the nanoparticle surface in order to increase their biocompatibility and enable their further conjugation with bioactive ligands such as drugs, targeting or imaging agents for the design of multifunctional platforms. pH responsiveness, the ability to change properties with a change of proton concentration, is a remarkable asset for drug delivery carrier. Indeed, it has been demonstrated that cancer cells show very particular pHs in their environment: extracellular as well as intracellular. This characteristic has been exploited to create a more specific and efficient way to treat cancer. The present review focuses on the design of pH responsive AuNPs and particularly on the advantages and the potential applications of such hybrid nanomaterials in oncology.     

Coriander leaf mediated biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles

Extracellular biological synthesis of gold nanoparticles was achieved by a simple biological procedure using coriander extract as the reducing agent. The aqueous gold ions when exposed to coriander leaf extract are reduced and resulted in the biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles in the size range from 6.75-57.91 nm. The gold nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FT-IR) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). This eco-friendly approach for the synthesis of nanoparticles is simple, amenable for large scale commercial production and technical applications.     

Size and morphology controlled synthesis of gold nanoparticles in green solvent: Effect of reducing agents

The effect of reducing agents on the synthesis of Au(0) metallic nanoparticles (Au NPs) prepared in green solvent medium of β-d-glucose-water dispersions has been reported first. The different equivalent amounts of NaBH₄ and pH values adjusted by NaOH were tested for the reduction of Au salt (HAuCl₄·3H₂O (hydrogen tetrachloroaurate (III) trihydrate) to obtain Au NPs. The type and the amount of reducing agent and the pH of the solution affected the size and morphology of the NPs. Addition of 4 equivalents of NaBH₄ produced homogeneously dispersed 5.3 nm (σ = 0.7) diameter particles. Excess addition of NaBH₄ caused the NPs to settle down as the precipitate forming mesh or wire structure. When salt was reduced by the addition of NaOH (pH = 8.0) the particles were larger (14.2 nm) and less homogeneous (σ = 2.8). At pH = 12.2 the NPs settled at the bottom of the vial when preparation was left overnight. The wire and mesh like structures were obtained at higher pH = 12.2.