Lab talk
Jul 29, 2010
Biomimetic synthesis and self-assembly in one step
Recently, researchers at Southwest University, China, have reported a simple, controllable and environmentally friendly strategy for biomimetic synthesis and self-assembly of gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) in one step. The method uses a kind of polysaccharide derivate as both a reducing agent and a stabilizer. The as-prepared one-dimensional Au-NP assemblies have attractive features, including plasmon resonant coupling and excellent biocompatibility, making them great precursors of future optical nanodevices and promising candidates for biological applications.
The research group is dedicated to developing effective and universal strategies to fabricate various nanoparticle assemblies using biomolecules such as DNA and polysaccharides. The molecules are employed as bridges to assemble gold nanospheres, gold nanorods, metal nanoparticle/carbon nanotube hybrids and metal nanoparticle/graphene composites. By using biomolecules to fabricate nanostructures, the team aims to generate biomaterials with good stability in aqueous solutions and excellent biocompatibility for optical tracking and drug delivery in vivo.
In the current study, a polysaccharide derivate, polyaldehyde dextran, was used to synthesize and assemble Au-NPs in one step. As shown in the images above, Au-NP chains or networks were formed with satisfactory morphology and the size of individual nanoparticles was uniform. The crystal growth and self-assembly processes occurred synchronously in one pot and always under a mild condition (aqueous environment, physiological temperature and neutral pH).
Further details can be found in the journal Nanotechnology.
About the author
Yi Wang is a PhD student in analytical chemistry in Prof. Cheng Zhi Huang's group at Southwest University, China. Currently he is exploring the directed self-assembly of nanomaterials based on biomolecules, together with the measurement and application of the resulting nanostructures. Li Qiang Chen and Xi Juan Zhao are also PhD students in Prof. Cheng Zhi Huang's group at Southwest University. Li Peng is a Masters student in the same group. Prof. Yuan Fang Li's research focuses on optical analytical chemistry and inorganic chemistry. Prof. Cheng Zhi Huang holds a PhD in analytical chemistry and is chairman of the College of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Southwest University. His research interests include bioassembly, optical analytical chemistry and nanoanalytical chemistry.
