Alginate-Stabilized Gold Nanoparticles Prepared Using the Microwave-Induced Plasma-in-Liquid Process with Long-Term...

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Materials Science
• Physical Chemistry

Background:

• Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) are crucial for various applications, including biomedical uses.
• Conventional synthesis methods often involve toxic chemicals and may lack long-term stability.
• Developing efficient and stable synthesis routes for Au NPs is an ongoing research area.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a one-step preparation of alginate-stabilized Au NPs using microwave-induced plasma-in-liquid process (MWPLP).
• To investigate the effect of alginate concentration on Au NP properties.
• To explore the potential of alginate-stabilized Au NPs for biomedical applications.

Main Methods:

• One-step synthesis of Au NPs using MWPLP.
• Incorporation of alginate at various concentrations during synthesis.
• Characterization of Au NP properties (reaction rate, morphology, size, optical absorption).
• Evaluation of drying and redispersion stability.

Main Results:

• Alginate accelerated the reaction rate and prevented aggregation during MWPLP.
• Alginate provided long-term colloidal stability for the synthesized Au NPs.
• An unusual size reduction of Au NPs during growth was observed and mechanistically explained.
• Drying and redispersion of alginate-stabilized Au NPs showed minimal impact on their properties.

Conclusions:

• MWPLP with alginate offers an efficient, non-toxic method for producing stable Au NPs.
• Alginate stabilization enhances colloidal stability and allows for effective storage strategies.
• The synthesized alginate-stabilized Au NPs are promising for biomedical applications due to their stability and lack of toxic agents.