NSF-ERC Center for Revolutionizing Metallic Biomaterials

Thrust 2 - Characterization

Characterization of Gold Nanoparticles Using Dynamic Light Scattering for Biomedical Applications-BMEN 570

Shaniqua Andrews, Crystal Hill, and Dominique Saddler(Bioengineering program, CBBE-NCAT),

Dr. N. Bhattarai NCAT-Advisor

Introduction

Conclusion

• Gold nanoparticles (Au-Np) have unique optical and electronics properties.

• Au-Np have been wildly researched and utilized in high technology applications such as organic sensors, therapeutic agents, drug delivery in medical applications, electronic conductors and catalysis.

• Properties Au-Np are size dependent

Methods

Research Goals

Synthesis of colloidal gold nanoparticles and characterize them by using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) technology:• Enhance the understanding of nanoparticle synthesis

techniques by chemical method.• Measurement of diameter of Au-Nps.• Understanding and observing principle nanoparticle

properties

• Successful in synthesizing uniform gold-seed particles• Aggregation evident in gold nanoparticles:

- Added step of shaking- Confirmed by DLS

• Further application: drug delivery

Results

Acknowledgements Funding Support from NSF’s NUE at NCAT Mr. Roman Blount IV for helping in lab Dr. Shyam Aravamudhan and Mr. Karshak Kosaraju f or helping in DLS

DLS Method:1. Create protocol:

• Refraction index• Dispersant• Temperature• Cuvette type

2. Run protocol:• 2-5mins., with < 1 mL sample• Size distribution data produced

Nanoparticle Synthesis:1. Synthesis of the seed

• Reaction mechanism: reduction of gold(III) via ascorbic acid

• Sodium citrate as stabilizer

2. Growth of seeds• Seed solutions were added together within 5mins.• Final solution was boiled then refrigerated

Figure 1. Observed color changes as the gold chloride solution went

through the growth reaction.

H[AuCl4]Ÿ3H2O (0.2% w/v) seed particles large gold

particles

Figure 2. DLS analysis of gold nanoparticles (Au-Nps)