Synthesis of biologically stable gold nanoparticles using imidazolium-based amino acid ionic liquids

Amino Acids. 2012 Sep;43(3):1323-30. doi: 10.1007/s00726-011-1205-7. Epub 2011 Dec 31.

Abstract

A novel double-step reduction procedure for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using amino acid ionic liquids has been employed. 1-Dodecyl-3-methyl imidazolium tryptophan ([C(12)mim]Trp) and 1-ethyl-3-methyl imidazolium tryptophan ([C(2)mim]Trp) were used for this synthesis. The synthesized AuNPs were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. The behavior of these AuNPs were also probed in a biological media. It was proven that AuNPs synthesized at [C(12)mim]Trp have more stability than AuNPs synthesized at [C(2)mim]Trp due to the longer alkyl chain of the imidazolium moiety. The solubility test shows that the resultant AuNPs have a hydrophilic nature. Finally, it was seen that due to the presence of a biomolecule, namely Trp, in the structure of AuNPs protecting shell, higher stability and biocompatibility was achieved in the biological media.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Borohydrides / chemistry
  • Culture Media / chemistry
  • Drug Stability
  • Gold / chemistry*
  • Imidazoles / chemical synthesis
  • Imidazoles / chemistry*
  • Ionic Liquids / chemical synthesis
  • Ionic Liquids / chemistry*
  • Metal Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Metal Nanoparticles / ultrastructure
  • Osmolar Concentration
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Particle Size
  • Reducing Agents / chemical synthesis
  • Reducing Agents / chemistry*
  • Solubility
  • Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet
  • Surface Plasmon Resonance
  • Tryptophan / analogs & derivatives*
  • Tryptophan / chemical synthesis
  • Tryptophan / chemistry*

Substances

  • Borohydrides
  • Culture Media
  • Imidazoles
  • Ionic Liquids
  • Reducing Agents
  • Gold
  • sodium borohydride
  • Tryptophan