Size-dependent molecule-like to plasmonic transition in water-soluble glutathione stabilized gold nanomolecules

Nanoscale. 2014 Jan 21;6(2):683-7. doi: 10.1039/c3nr03657j.

Abstract

A size-dependent transition from molecule-like to plasmonic behaviour is demonstrated in the case of water soluble Au:SG nanomolecules. This was achieved using PAGE separation of smaller and larger nanomolecules, resulting in an unprecedented 26 bands, in a wide-range from 10's to 1000's of Au-atoms. PAGE separation of larger plasmonic nanomolecules is demonstrated for the first time. High resolution ESI-MS, with isotopic resolution, of smaller nanoparticles is reported, including the first time report of Au43(SG)26. This report will aid in the fundamental understanding of size-dependent properties of nanomolecules. The synthetic procedure employs a green approach with non-toxic chemicals and processes. The water solubility, non-toxicity and biocompatibility will lead to applications in biomedicine.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel
  • Glutathione / chemistry*
  • Gold / chemistry*
  • Metal Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Surface Plasmon Resonance
  • Water / chemistry

Substances

  • Water
  • Gold
  • Glutathione