Benny Pacheco, Ph.D.
Lund University, Sweden
Gold nanoparticles are particles with diameters in the 1-100 nm range and have unique optical and physical properties, the most pronounced being the intense absorbance and scattering of incident light at its surface plasmon resonance wavelength.
The optical properties of gold nanoparticles are governed by their morphology, i.e. size, shape and aggregation status. By precisely engineering particles with different morphologies and surface chemistries, these particles can be tuned to suit a variety of applications making them a very versatile research and diagnostic tool. For example, the gold nanoparticle surface can readily be functionalized with peptides, proteins and antibodies providing them with specificity toward cellular targets both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, modifying the surface with oligonucleotides enables them to be used for genetic detection. Common applications include their use in immunohistochemistry, bioimaging, biosensors, lateral flow assays, as cellular probes, and as vehicles for drug delivery.
To continue reading please sign in or create an account.
Don't Have An Account?