Molecular recognition by gold, silver and copper nanoparticles

Abstract

The intrinsic physical properties of the noble metal nanoparticles, which are highly sensitive to the nature of their local molecular environment, make such systems ideal for the detection of molecular recognition events. The current review describes the state of the art concerning molecular recognition of Noble metal nanoparticles. In the first part the preparation of such nanoparticles is discussed along with methods of capping and stabilization. A brief discussion of the three common methods of functionalization: Electrostatic adsorption; Chemisorption; Affinity-based coordination is given. In the second section a discussion of the optical and electrical properties of nanoparticles is given to aid the reader in understanding the use of such properties in molecular recognition. In the main section the various types of capping agents for molecular recognition; nucleic acid coatings, protein coatings and molecules from the family of supramolecular chemistry are described along with their numerous applications. Emphasis for the nucleic acids is on complementary oligonucleotide and aptamer recognition. For the proteins the recognition properties of antibodies form the core of the section. With respect to the supramolecular systems the cyclodextrins, calix[n]arenes, dendrimers, crown ethers and the cucurbitales are treated in depth. Finally a short section deals with the possible toxicity of the nanoparticles, a concern in public health.

Development of X-ray micro-focus computed tomography to image and quantify biofilms in central venous catheter models in vitro

“…Other studies have also used gold and silver nanoparticles to identify yeast species by surface-enhanced Raman scattering (Fakhrullin et al, 2009), highlighting that these contrast stains, combined with X-ray µCT, are applicable across a wide range of potential pathogens. Importantly, also for clinical application, silver and gold nanoparticles also lend themselves to conjugation with oligonucleotides, which may allow bacterial-specific labelling capable of resolving bacteria from thrombus and other occlusions, which future studies into clinical application will need to address (Tauran et al, 2013). However, additionally, further studies are also required to investigate in vivo toxicity.…”

Nanoparticles in relation to peptide and protein aggregation

“…Several comprehensive reviews are available where the preparatory methods are discussed in great detail. [47][48][49] The commonly employed materials and methods used for the synthesis of nanoparticles are summarized in Table 1. Protein-based nanoparticles, such as those that use albumin, gliadin, legumin, and so on, are synthesized by an emulsification method in which phase separation is required by addition of a desolvating agent, followed by modifications in temperature as well as pH.…”

Nanoparticles Carrying Biological Molecules: Recent Advances and Applications

“…Biotinylated proteins such as immunoglobulins and bovine serum albumin, oligonucleotides and single strand DNA have been bound onto streptavidin functionalised nanoparticles such as silver and gold (Tauran Y. et al, 2013). By utilising an electric-field-directed self-assembly method, Hsiao A.P.…”