Polymeric molecular templates offer a new route to synthesis of uniform gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with on-demand size control. Stimuli-responsive block copolymers have been synthesized with pH-responsive blocks that serve the dual purpose of inducing self-assembly and gold salt reduction. These polymer micelles, in the presence of NaAuCl4, act as molecular templates for AuNP synthesis by controlling the size and shape of the nanoparticle through the length of the gold-reducing block. Polymers with varying block lengths have been synthesized to establish a relation between block length and AuNP size. Once �on-demand� AuNP size control has been established, AuNPs of varying sizes will be targeted for inhalation and imaging studies of nanoparticle flow and deposition in isolated rat lungs. Successful completion will not only provide a novel route to AuNP synthesis, but will also establish a better understanding of inhaled nanoparticle toxicity and effects on pulmonary diseases.

Gold nanoparticles via polymer micelle molecular templates for pulmonary imaging

245th National Meeting (2013)

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