Invention:
This invention is a method to control the size and shape of nanoparticles. It is a one-step synthesis process capable of tuning gold nanoparticles from 350nm to 1.7 microns using a process that has significantly reduced preparation time; it reduces hours for multi-step fabrication to 30-45 minutes. These synthesized toroidal particles exhibit surface features that may be used for a variety of applications in the near infrared-region and demonstrate a sensitivity two orders of magnitude greater than current gold nanostars. Also, a variety of different gold structures such as gold nanodendrites, nanowires and nanochains can be obtained.
Background:
Nanoparticle technology has made major advances in particle type, production and in nanoparticle application in all areas of the life sciences in the past two decades. The most rapid advances have been made in the application of nanoparticles in drug research and development, drug product formulation and development of novel drug delivery systems using nanoparticle carriers because the nanoparticles with dyes or radiative properties attach to other cells of interest. This has given rise to a new area of biotechnology and pharmaceutical research involving particle materials in the nanometer size range. Nanoparticles are also being used to combat viruses through destruction of cellular membranes. Plus, the scale and shape of the particles have radiation applications such as photodetectors or antenna outside of biotechnology as toroidal multipoles have adaptable properties.
Applications:
Production of gold nanoparticles of various shapes and dimensions for use in:
- Drug development
- Clinical stages
- Administering medication
- Biochemical sensors
- Medical imaging – particularly in high heat from focused lasers
- Biological targeting of viruses
- Photodetectors and antenna
Advantages:
- Inexpensive
- One-step synthesis
- Environmentally friendly
