Nanomaterials are defined by having at least one dimension &lt;100 nm in a variety of shapes. On this scale, we can drastically change the physical and chemical properties of the nanomaterial simply by altering shape and size. Gold nanostars (GNSs), comprised of a core and multiple spikes, are of interest for biosensing, catalysis, and therapeutic applications. The long-term goal of our research is to use novel nanomaterials for their antimicrobial effects, dye degradation, and radiation medicine. We hypothesize the GNSs’ large surface area to volume ratio and unique crystallinity will allow for more catalytic sites, light harvesting efficiency, and overall enhanced physical and chemical properties. We have synthesized GNSs with high yield and reproducibility. Past methods of GNSs synthesis include using amino acid sugars, hydrogen peroxide, or other substances as a seeding solution. In our approach, preformed gold nanoparticle (GNP) seeds (~10 nm) are added to solutions (~33-37 °C) of partially reduced (+3 to +1 charge) gold salts to form the GNSs. Increasing the volume of added GNP seeds reduced average spike size. We also successfully modified GNSs with thiolated polyethylene glycol to enhance catalytic activity. The specific aims are to (1) optimize synthesis and characterization of GNSs, (2) evaluate dental applications, i.e. antimicrobial effects and dye degradation, and (3) evaluate medical applications such as targeted irradiation induced DNA damage.

Gold nanostars: Synthesis, functionalization, and application

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.