Sensor for detecting an analyte using silver nanoparticles

摘要

A sensor comprises silver nanoparticles in which substantially all of the surfaces of the silver nanoparticles are available for interaction with an analyte or for functionalisation with a receptor which is capable of interacting with an analyte. Silver nanoparticles are preparated by forming the nanoparticles in the presence of a polymeric stabiliser such as PVA.