Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles: For Scientific Applications That Are Beyond I

Posted by Shannonms Moys on May 8th, 2017

A precious metal and a luxury that is widely used in manufacturing jewelry, gold is no longer restricted to beautification of human body and artistic reasons. Although there are records that suggest that gold, in different forms, has been used for medicinal purposes from ancient times, it was only during the second half of 19th century that scientists starting studying the properties of gold nanoparticles in detail.

It is common knowledge that gold being an inert material doesn’t corrode or tarnish, it has good good electrical and thermal conductivity and it is a good reflector of infrared. These and many other such advanced properties of gold have made it possible for it to be used for a variety of scientific and medical applications. Gold nanoparticles are a more healthier and versatile alternative to platinum which can be toxic in certain cases. Bulk gold cannot reach all the areas and therefore, manufacturing gold nanoparticles is advantageous as it allows researchers to use gold in all areas. Here’s a look at some of its application in the modern age:

Converting pollutants into harmless molecules: Gold nanoparticles that are quite small with a diameter as small as 5 nm or less, they are used as a catalyst in reactions to transform air pollutants into harmless pollutants. When broken down to such tiny form, gold can be quite useful in oxidizing carbon monoxide.
Targeted drug delivery: Gold nanoparticles that are attracted to affected region of a body, such as cancer tumors, are used in targeted drug delivery as molecules carrying drugs and other therapeutic drug molecules are attached to these nanoparticles to ensure precise delivery of the drugs. This way best functionalized gold nanoparticles are used in targeted drug delivery.
Converting light into heat: Gold nanoparticles have the capability to convert certain wavelengths of light into heat. The free electrons in gold absorb the energy from a particular wavelength of light. Two of the most effective gold nanoparticle shapes used in converting light into heat are:
Gold nanorods: These are solid cylinders of gold having a diameter as small as 10 nm. Different combinations of nanorods allow the researchers to achieve better results.
Gold Nanospheres: These are nanoparticles that have a gold coating over a silica core. The wavelength of the light that the nanosphere absorbs can be changed using variations in the thickness of gold coating.

These and many other such scientific applications have resulted in an enhanced demand of gold nanoparticles. There are many manufacturing firms that sell gold nanoparticles online. You can buy gold nanoparticles from online stores after a detailed research.

The author is an avid writer. This article is about the applications of gold nanoparticles. For more information visit www.nanopartz.com

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Shannonms Moys

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Shannonms Moys
Joined: April 13th, 2017
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