Gold nanoparticles exhibit the optical properties of localized surface plamon resonance (LSPR) and are widely applied to the biosensors. The application of gold nanoparticles to the determination of anticancer drug 6-thioguanine (6-TG) was discussed. The binding of 6-TG molecule to the surface of gold nanoparticles alters the local refractive index in the vicinity of the nanoparticles and results in a shift of the LSPR spectrum. The experimental conditions were examined and optimized. Under the optimal conditions, the ratios of absorbances at two wavelengths are directly proportional to the concentrations of 6-TG. The developed method is simple, rapid, and sensitive. In addition, this method is particularly attractive because organic cosolvents, light-sensitive dyes, and sophisticated instruments are not required. This method was successfully applied to the determination of 6-TG in real samples and the results were satisfactory.
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