Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are used in biosensing, drug delivery, imaging, and many other biomedical applications. Common synthesis techniques utilize acidic conditions. In this paper, alkaline synthesis is presented as an environmentally friendly �green� alternative to the Brust and Turkevich techniques. This alkaline technique uses dextrin as capping and reducing agent.  Results show the effect of temperature, pH, and dextrin concentration on AuNP diameter. The generated nanoparticles are highly dispersed with an average diameter of 6-17 nm � 2 nm.  Stability in water is longer than 48 months when stored at room temperature (23-30�C) without protection from light. AuNP functionalization efficiency is similar to citrate-generated particles. These dextrin coated gold nanoparticles are then used in the biosensor for rapid detection of foodborne pathogenic microorganisms. Preliminary results show a linear detection range of 102-106 colony forming units per milliliter (cfu/ml). This biosensor is sensitive, specific, field operable, and inexpensive.

Alkaline "green" synthesis of gold nanoparticles for biosensor-based detection of foodborne pathogens

245th National Meeting (2013)

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