Metallic nanoparticle synthesis with carbohydrate capping agent

摘要

The disclosure relates to metal nanoparticle compositions and their methods of formation and use, in particular gold nanoparticles (AuNP) and gold-coated magnetic nanoparticles. Compositions according to the disclosure include aqueous suspensions of metal nanoparticles that are stabilized with one or more carbohydrate capping agents and/or that are functionalized with one or more binding pair members for capture/detection of a target analyte. The nanoparticle suspensions are stable for extended periods and can be functionalized as desired at a later point in time, typically prior to use in an assay for the detection of a target biological analyte. The stable nanoparticle suspension can be formed by the aqueous reduction of oxidized metal precursors at non-acidic pH values in the presence of a carbohydrate-based capping agent such as dextrin or other oligosaccharides.

主权项

1. A method for forming reduced metal nanoparticles, the method comprising:
(a) providing an aqueous medium, the aqueous medium comprising (i) water and (ii) metal ions in solution in the water; and (b) reducing the metal ions in the aqueous medium at a neutral or alkaline pH value in the presence of at least one of a linear and a branched carbohydrate capping agent for a time sufficient to form a plurality of reduced metal nanoparticles as a suspension stabilized in the aqueous medium with the carbohydrate capping agent adsorbed on outer surfaces of the reduced metal nanoparticles; wherein the carbohydrate capping agent is present in the aqueous medium prior to reaction at a concentration ranging from 1 g/L to 100 g/L.