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"Chocolate" Gold Nanoparticles-One Pot Synthesis and Biocompatibility
Neelika Roy Chowdhury1, Allison J Cowin2, Peter Zilm3
1School of Engineering, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes SA 5095, Australia. neelika.roy_chowdhury@mymail.unisa.edu.au.
Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 7, 2018
Summary
Researchers developed a green synthesis for gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using cacao extract. This method avoids toxic chemicals and yields biocompatible nanoparticles for potential dermal applications.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Green Chemistry
- Biomaterials
Background:
- Chemical synthesis of nanoparticles often involves toxic reagents and hazardous byproducts.
- Developing eco-friendly and sustainable methods for nanoparticle production is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel, one-pot, direct synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs).
- To utilize natural cacao extract as a dual reducing and stabilizing agent, eliminating toxic chemicals.
Main Methods:
- Characterization of synthesized AuNPs using UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-VIS).
- Dynamic light scattering (DLS) for size and distribution analysis.
- Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for morphological assessment.
- Biocompatibility testing with human primary dermal fibroblasts.
Main Results:
- Successful synthesis of AuNPs via a green, one-pot method using cacao extract.
- Characterization confirmed the formation and properties of the AuNPs.
- Demonstrated excellent biocompatibility of the synthesized AuNPs with human dermal fibroblasts.
Conclusions:
- Cacao extract serves as an effective and sustainable agent for AuNP synthesis.
- The developed method offers a non-toxic alternative to conventional nanoparticle synthesis.
- The biocompatible AuNPs show promise for applications in dermatology and biomedicine.