Investigating the Stability of Different Sizes of Gold Nanoparticles in Physiological Environments and Different Gold Nanoclusters in Water.
Abstract
Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have become promising candidates for various biomedical applications due to their unique physicochemical properties and biocompatibility. Nevertheless, the efficacy of AuNPs in these applications highly relies on their stability and ability to maintain their desired properties within the complex environment of the human body. This thesis investigates the stability and aggregation behavior of citrate-coated AuNPs in in-vitro physiological environments and nitrogen heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-coated gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) in water over time. Analytical techniques such as electrophoretic mobility, dynamic light scattering, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry were employed. It was shown that cell media (in contrast to phosphate buffered saline) enhanced AuNP stability via protein corona formation, while AuNCs maintained consistent stability over one month in water. The size and concentration of AuNPs influenced their aggregation behavior, with smaller particles and higher concentrations, increasing the aggregation tendency. Overall, this thesis contributes to the development of biomedical nanomaterials.