Photochemical synthesis of polygonal gold nanoparticles

In this paper, we propose a method to generate gold nanoparticles capable of absorbing near infrared light (NIR) radiation through a photochemical reaction. This approach does not require the use of either surfactants or polymers, reducing the difficulties that may arise in further chemical modifications for the gold nanoparticles. The gold nanoparticles with either triangular or hexagonal shapes were generated using the photo-reduction method, mixing hydrogen tetrachloroaurate with sodium oxalate, a reducing agent, in aqueous solution under illumination of a mercury lamp (λ_max = 306 nm) for more than 10 min. The size of the gold nanoparticles varies from 25 to 200 nm, which mainly depends on the duration of light illumination and the concentration of sodium oxalate. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the presence of the gold nanoparticles in aqueous solutions can effectively elevate the temperature of the solutions under irradiation of NIR light (808 nm) within a few minutes. The gold nanoparticles can be potentially used as suitable photothermal agents for hyperthermia.     

Room-temperature synthesis of gold nanoparticles and nanoplates using Shewanella algae cell extract

Biosynthesis of spherical gold nanoparticles and gold nanoplates was achieved at room temperature and pH 2.8 when cell extract from the metal-reducing bacterium Shewanella algae was used as both a reducing and shape-controlling agent. Cell extract, prepared by sonicating a suspension of S. algae cells, was capable of reducing 1 mol/m³ aqueous AuCl₄ ⁻ ions into elemental gold within 10 min when H₂ gas was provided as an electron donor. The time interval lapsed since the beginning of the bioreductive reaction was found to be an important factor in controlling the morphology of biogenic gold nanoparticles. After 1 h, there was a large population of well-dispersed, spherical gold nanoparticles with a mean size of 9.6 nm. Gold nanoplates with an edge length of 100 nm appeared after 6 h, and 60% of the total nanoparticle population was due to gold nanoplates with an edge length of 100–200 nm after 24 h. The yield of gold nanoplates prepared with S. algae extract was four times higher than that prepared with resting cells of S. algae. The resulting biogenic gold nanoparticle suspensions showed a large variation in color, ranging from pale pink to purple due to changes in nanoparticle morphology.     

One-pot synthesis of gold/poly(3,4-ethylendioxythiophene) nanocomposite

In this paper, we report the preparation of highly stable gold nanoparticles/poly(3,4-ethylendioxythiophene) nanocomposites by a one-pot chemical route in aqueous medium without surfactants to increase the solubility of the monomer (3,4-ethylendioxythiophene, EDOT) or to stabilize gold nanoparticles (Au NPs). The generation of the nanocomposite was followed by UV–Visible transmission spectroscopy combined with multivariate curve resolution alternating least squares analysis to deconvolute the individual spectra of the different species generated in the synthesis: oligomers, polymer and gold nanoparticles. The plasmon band observed at 530 nm during the synthesis step indicates the generation of gold nanoparticles. The influence of monomer and metal precursor concentration and their concentration ratios on Au NP size were analyzed. The electrochromic properties of the composite were investigated by UV–Visible absorption spectroelectrochemistry, being mainly related to polymer oxidation and reduction. The main difference observed is the hypsochromic shift of the polymer spectra due to the gold nanoparticles inside the polymer. Multicyclic spectroelectrochemical experiments evidence a high stability and adhesion of the nanocomposite.     

One step alkaline synthesis of biocompatible gold nanoparticles using dextrin as capping agent

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are used in sensing methods as tracers and transducers. The most common AuNP synthesis techniques utilize citrate under acidic reaction conditions. The synthesis described in this article generates glyco-AuNPs under mild alkaline conditions providing a “greener” alternative to Brust and Turkevich methodologies. This biologically compatible one-step technique uses dextrin as a capping agent and sodium carbonate as the reducing agent for chloroauric acid. The generated particles were relatively mono-dispersed and water soluble with a range of controllable mean diameters from 5.9 to 16.8 ± 1.6 nm. The produced AuNPs were stable in water for more than 6 months stored at room temperature (21 °C) in generation solution without protection from light. This article shows the effect of temperature, pH, and dextrin concentration on the synthesis procedure and AuNP diameter. These factors were found to control the reaction speed. The produced glyco-AuNPs were successfully functionalized with DNA oligonucleotides, and the functionalization efficiency was similar to citrate-generated AuNPs. The alkaline synthesis allows future exploration of simultaneous synthesis and functionalization procedures, which could significantly reduce the time of current ligand exchange methodologies.     

Radiation induced synthesis of gold/iron-oxide composite nanoparticles using high-energy electron beam

Composite nanoparticles consisting of gold and iron oxide were synthesized in aqueous solution systems by using a high-energy electron beam. The electron irradiation induces radiation-chemical reaction to form metallic gold nanoparticles. These gold nanoparticles were firmly immobilized on the surface of the support iron oxide nanoparticles. Surface of the support iron oxide nanoparticles are almost fully coated with fine gold nanoparticles. The size of these gold nanoparticles depended on the concentrations of gold ions, polymers and iron oxide nanoparticles in the solutions before the irradiation.     

Monofunctional gold nanoparticles: synthesis and applications

The ability to control the assembly of nanoparticle building blocks is critically important for the development of new materials and devices. The properties and functions of nanomaterials are not only dependent on the size and properties of individual particles, but also the interparticle distance and interactions. In order to control the structures of nanoassemblies, it is important to first achieve a precise control on the chemical functionality of nanoparticle building blocks. This review discusses three methods that have been reported recently for the preparation of monofunctional gold nanoparticles, i.e., nanoparticles with a single chemical functional group attached to each particle. The advantages and disadvantages of the three methods are discussed and compared. With a single functional group attached to the surface, one can treat such nanoparticles as molecular building blocks to react with other molecules or nanoparticles. In other words, by using appropriate chemical reactions, nanoparticles can be linked together into nanoassemblies and materials by covalent bonds, similar to the total chemical synthesis of complicated organic compounds from smaller molecular units. An example of using this approach for the synthesis of nanoparticle/polymer hybrid materials with optical limiting properties is presented. Other potential applications and advantages of covalent bond-based nanoarchitectures vs. non-covalent interaction-based supramolecular self-assemblies are also discussed briefly in this review.     

One-pot production of copper ferrite nanoparticles using a chemical method

Copper ferrite nanoparticles were synthesized via the oxidation of precipitates obtained from the reaction of FeCl₂, CuSO₄ and N₂H₄ in the presence of gelatin. These copper ferrite particles were subsequently examined using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The average size of the copper ferrite nanoparticles was less than 5 nm, and they exhibited superparamagnetic behavior as a result of their small size. The low temperature Mössbauer spectrum exhibited three sets of sextets, two corresponding to the tetrahedral and octahedral sites of the copper spinel structure and one with small hyperfine magnetic field corresponding to the surface or defects of the nanoparticles. When the ratio of copper salt was increased, the tetrahedral site became preferable for copper, and metallic copper and copper ferrite were both present in a single nanoparticle.     

Pseudo-template synthesis of gold nanoparticles based on polyhydrosilanes

Highly stable colloidal gold nanoparticles are obtained in a pseudo-template system using a specific polyhydrosilane copolymeric structure. This process takes place in situ by microwaves activation of the polymer solution in a non-polar solvent followed by stirring with solid HAuCl₄ in natural light. The experimental procedure is very simple and the resulted colloidal gold solution is indefinitely stable. The specific surface plasmon resonance absorption band of the gold nanoparticles is strongly red shifted and is strictly related to their size. AFM correlated with DLS analysis showed flattened round shaped colloidal polymer-gold nanoparticles with large diameters. SEM-EDX combined analysis reveals that the polysilane-gold nanoparticles show a natural tendency to auto-assemble in close packed structures which form large areas over the polymer film surface.     

Fluorescence quenching using plasmonic gold nanoparticles

This communication describes the study of fluorescence quenching in a new fluorescent laser dye ADS680HO is attached to gold nanoparticles of size 4-12 nm. Photo physical properties confirms that it is due to size, shape, coupling between nanoparticles with laser dye ADS680HO, and energy transfer between dye and nanoparticles. Fluorescence quenching leads to advancement in biomolecular labeling and fluorescence patterning.     

Ultrasonic-assisted spark plasma discharge for gold nanoparticles synthesis

We examine the ultrasonic-assisted spark discharge in gold nanoparticles production. A 1 kHz pulsed power supply is used to generate spark discharge plasma. The appropriate range of peak power (pulse peak current) for nanoparticles production was determined by the Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) method. Colloidal gold nanoparticles were synthesized in 100 mL deionized water and pure ethanol as liquid dielectrics. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) micrographs show that the nanoparticles diameter in the deionized water is larger than in pure ethanol. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) micrographs of the gold nanoparticles also confirm the SEM results with more accuracy. The present study revealed that the ultrasonic wave increases the shape uniformity of the nanoparticles and decreases their size.     

Anisotropic gold nanoparticles and gold plates biosynthesis using alfalfa extracts

Industrial and medical applications for gold nanoparticles are extensive, yet highly dependent on their chemical and structural properties. Thus, harnessing the size and shape of nanoparticles plays an important role in nanoscience and nanotechnology. Anisotropic polyhedra and nanoplates were biosynthesized via reduction of 3 mM AuCl₄ ⁻ solution at room temperature. Alfalfa biomass extracts prepared in water and in isopropanol separately were used as reducing agents at pH 3.5 and 3.0, respectively. Nanoparticles observed in the isopropanol extract presented a size range of 30–60 nm, and the morphologies present included 30 nm decahedra and 15 nm icosahedra. Gold nanoplates produced in the water extract were mainly triangular, ranging from 500 nm to 4 μm in size. The resulting nanoparticles and nanoplates can be potentially used in the study of their unique physical properties and for the mechanisms of formation using alfalfa biomass extracts.     

Controlled synthesis and biomolecular probe application of gold nanoparticles

In addition to their optical properties, the ability of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) to generate table immobilization of biomolecules, whilst retaining their bioactivities is a major advantage to apply them as biosensors. Optical biosensors using Au NPs are simple, fast and reliable and, recently, they have been moving from laboratory study to the point of practical use. The optical properties of Au NPs strongly depend on their size, shape, degree of aggregation and the functional groups on their surface. Rapid advances in the field of nanotechnology offer us a great opportunity to develop the controllable synthesis and modification of Au NPs as well as to study on their properties and applications. The size-controlled growth of Au NPs requires the isotropic growth on the surface of Au nuclei whereas anisotropic growth will induce the formation of Au NPs of varying shape. Functionalized Au NPs provide sensitive and selective biosensors for the detection of many targets, including metal ions, small organic compounds, protein, DNA, RNA and cell based on their optical, electrical or electrochemical signals. In this review, we will discuss the size- and shape-controlled growth and functionalization of Au NPs to obtain Au nanoprobes. The basis of the optical detection of Au nanoprobes and their applications in nucleic acid, protein detection and cell imaging are also introduced.     

Ultrasound-assisted green synthesis of gold nanoparticles using citrus peel extract and their enhanced anti-inflammatory activity

Ultrasound and plant extract are two green approaches that have been used to synthesize gold nanoparticles (AuNPs); however, how the combination of ultrasound and citrus peel extract (CPE) affects the structure characteristics and the bioactivity of AuNPs remains unknown. Here we investigated the effects of ultrasound conditions on the particle size, stability, yield, phenolic encapsulation efficacy, and the anti-inflammatory activity of AuNPs. The results showed that temperature was positively correlated to the particle size and the anti-inflammatory activity of synthesized AuNPs. Increasing the power intensity significantly decreased the particle size, while increased the change of total phenolic content (ΔTPC) in the reaction mixture. The increase of ΔTPC caused the enhanced anti-inflammatory activity of AuNPs. The AuNPs synthesized with or without ultrasound treatment were characterized using UV–Vis, DLS, SEM, TEM, EDS, XRD, and FT-IR. The result verified the formation of negatively charged, spherical, stable, and monodispersed AuNPs. AuNPs synthesized with ultrasound (AuNPs-U) has smaller particle size (13.65 nm vs 16.80 nm), greater yield and anti-inflammatory activity (IC₅₀, 82.91 vs 157.71 μg/mL) than its non-ultrasound counterpart (AuNPs-NU). HPLC analysis showed that hesperidin was the key reductant for the synthesis of AuNPs. AuNPs-U also inhibited the mRNA and protein expression of iNOS and COX-2 in the LPS-induced Raw 264.7 cells. Our research elucidates the relationship between the reaction conditions and the structure characteristics and the anti-inflammatory activity of AuNPs synthesized using CPE with the help of ultrasound, thereafter, provides a feasible and economic way to synthesize AuNPs that can be used to ameliorate inflammation.     

One-pot synthesis of amphiphilic superparamagnetic FePt nanoparticles and magnetic resonance imaging in vitro

Monodispersed amphiphilic FePt nanoparticles with the diameter of about 4 nm were synthesized by high temperature pyrolysis of iron(III) acetylacetonate and platinum(II) acetylacetonate. Their amphiphilicity is contributed to the tetraethylene glycol (TEG) and oleic acid (OA) on the surface, which is confirmed by FTIR and XPS spectra. They provide a superparamagnetic property with the saturation magnetization (Ms) of about 25 emu/g and the transverse relaxivity (r₂) of about 122.6 mM⁻¹ s⁻¹ in aqueous solutions. Furthermore, FePt nanoparticles show low cytotoxicity in living cells. They can be uptaken by HeLa cells effectively and result in the obvious decrease of T₂ relaxation time after internalization.     

Green synthesis and characterization of gold nanoparticles using extract of anti-tumor potent Crocus sativus

In the present study, we have explored anti-tumor potent Crocus sativus (saffron) as a reducing agent for one pot size controlled green synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNps) at ambient conditions. The nanoparticles were characterized using UV–vis, scanning electron microscope (SEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and FTIR analysis. The prepared AuNPs showed surface Plasmon resonance centered at 549 nm with average particle size of 15±5 nm. Stable, spherical and triangular crystalline AuNPs with well-defined dimensions were synthesized using anti-tumor potent Crocus sativus (saffron). Crystalline nature of the nanoparticles is confirmed from the HR-TEM, SAED and SEM images, and XRD patterns. From the FTIR spectra it is found that the biomolecules are responsible for capping in gold nanoparticles.     

Fluorescence of polystyrene microspheres during photochemical synthesis of gold nanoparticles

The results of investigation of the fluorescence of carboxylated polystyrene microspheres in the process of photochemical synthesis of gold nanoparticles are presented. The introduction of an aqueous solution of hydrogen tetrachloroaurate (III) into an unirradiated polymer dispersion causes a decay of the excimer fluorescence in polystyrene at 335 nm. UV irradiation (λ_exc = 254 nm) of polystyrene dispersions in the presence of AuCl ₄ ^? ions leads to the formation of metal particles, which occurs after an induction period and affects the polystyrene fluorescence.     

Pulsed spark-discharge assisted synthesis of colloidal gold nanoparticles in ethanol

A green method, using pulsed spark-discharge (PSD) to synthesize gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in ethanol, is studied in this article. Unlike conventional methods for metal nanoparticles synthesis, the PSD method does not require the addition of chemical surfactants and stabilizers. The size of PSD–AuNPs is examined by transmission electron microscopy, with a range 5–50 nm. The chemical compounds, crystal structure, and surface plasmon resonance of PSD–AuNPs are studied using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and UV–Visible spectroscopy, respectively. Zeta potential analysis shows that a negative charge (−40 mV) on the surface of the PSD–AuNPs may be contributing to the stability of the suspension. During the gold electrodes discharge in the ethanol, under an intensive electric field and thermal energy, bulk metallic gold and ethanol may produce AuNPs and varieties of chemical derivatives, which are also studied by GC/MS and FTIR to investigate the suspension mechanism. The analysis results show that there is an oxidation reaction of ethanol occurring during the PSD process to produce ethanol derivatives, such as acetaldehyde, acetic acid, and ethyl acetate, which may modify the surface of AuNPs by coordination of oxygen atoms. However, only acetic acid can form a negative charge by the deprotonation of the carboxylic group of surface in ethanol, resulting in the creation of a repulsion force between the particles to form the stable colloid system. The experimental results indicate that PSD is an alternative green process to synthesize gold nanoparticles suspension in ethanol. Moreover, with a gold rod consumption rate of 15 mg/L, concentrations of gold nanoparticles ~9 ppm have been observed; therefore, the net production rate is around 60%.     

金纳米棒核／二氧化硅壳纳米复合结构的可控制备及细胞成像

采用模板合成以及溶胶凝胶方法制备了金纳米棒核／二氧化硅壳（GNR@SiO2）纳米复合粒子,探讨了这种新型纳米复合结构的可控制备、光谱性质、细胞毒性和细胞成像。通过紫外可见分光光度计、透射电镜、共聚焦显微镜对样品进行表征,结果表明：通过对反应时间的调控,获得的纳米复合粒子的二氧化硅壳层厚度可以控制在20～30nm。由于二氧化硅壳层的存在,大大提高了金纳米棒的稳定性,同时降低了金纳米棒的细胞毒性;此外,由于二氧化硅壳层具有良好的化学修饰作用,因此可以将荧光探针分子标记在二氧化硅壳层表面,修饰后的纳米复合粒子可以通过细胞内吞作用进入细胞,从而实现细胞内的光学成像。因此,该纳米粒子复合材料在生物传感、细胞成像以及光热治疗等方面有着良好的应用前景。     

Increasing the stability of DNA-functionalized gold nanoparticles using mercaptoalkanes

In this work, the stability of DNA functionalized gold nanoparticles was examined in relation to their size, temperature, as well as the presence of mono- and bivalent ions. Furthermore, we report on the stabilizing effect of an additional post-functionalization with mercaptoalkanes, optionally bearing triethylene glycol (TEG) units. Although such so-called backfilling molecules are commonly used for planar gold surfaces, they have rarely been reported in combination with DNA-functionalized nanoparticles. Our results show that, conform the DLVO theory, smaller citrate-capped gold nanoparticles were more stable towards higher concentrations of salt. Citrate nanoparticles of 30 nm in size were only stable in sodium chloride concentrations up to ~0.05 M and up to 45 °C. The stability of these uncoated nanoparticles was even lower when bivalent salts were used (i.e. <2 × 10⁻⁴ M). Immobilization of DNA on these nanoparticles, on the other hand, improved the stability in salt solutions with at least one order of magnitude. The additional use of backfilling molecules stabilized the gold nanoparticles even further, without negatively affecting the DNA hybridization efficiency. DNA functionalization also had a positive impact on the thermal stability of the nanoparticles. Unfortunately, this beneficial effect was not observed after a subsequent backfilling step.