Ultrastable\nand Biofunctionalizable Gold Nanoparticles

Abstract

Gold nanoparticles provide an excellent\nplatform for biological\nand material applications due to their unique physical and chemical\nproperties. However, decreased\ncolloidal stability and formation of irreversible aggregates while\nfreeze-drying nanomaterials limit their use in real world applications.\nHere, we report a new generation of surface ligands based on a combination\nof short oligo (ethylene glycol) chains and zwitterions capable of\nproviding nonfouling characteristics while maintaining colloidal stability\nand functionalization capabilities. Additionally, conjugation of these\ngold nanoparticles with avidin can help the development of a universal\ntoolkit for further functionalization of nanomaterials.