Nanogold synthesis in wool fibres: novel colourants

Abstract

This paper presents the novel synthesis of gold nanoparticles of different sizes and hence colours in a wool fibre matrix, simultaneously utilising the chemical affinity of gold for sulfur to bind the nanogold to the disulfide linkages in cystine amino acids in the keratin protein. For this, the wool fibres act as a solid matrix to control the particle size and prevent agglomeration of the gold nanoparticles and hence facilitate a range of attractive colours in the wool due to the surface plasmon resonance effects of such gold nanoparticles. Because the nanogold is chemically bound to the cystine, it does not wash or rub out and is also stable to UV light, unlike organic colourants. The research innovatively links the high value and prestige of gold through nanoscience for high value textiles and fashion apparel, wherein the nanogold wool composite fibres contain only pure wool and pure gold and are environmentally desirable.

In-situ Green Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles using Unbleached Kraft Pulp

“…2. A similar result was reported by Johnston and Lucas (2011), wherein the differences in particle size of the AuNP imparted various colors to AuNP-wool fiber. The formation and deposition of gold particles on the surface of cellulose fiber were clearly revealed by FESEM in BE mode.…”

Gold nanoparticles on wool in a comparative study with molecular gold catalysts

“…This raised the possibility that the catalytic activity observed was due to the presence of the nanoparticles or some intermediate form. However, gold nanoparticles of various sizes produced in-house [8] showed no measurable catalytic activity. Gold nanoparticles were used suspended in solution and supported on wool (Fig.…”

Smart Nanohybrids of RAFT Polymers and Inorganic Particles

“…[292] Some of these applications can be enabled by coating the AuNPs with polymers, in order to make them resistant to protein adsorption [293] and mask them from the body's reticuloendothelial system. [294] Other applications of AuNPs are catalysis, [295][296][297][298][299] surface-enhanced Raman scattering, [300,301] staining, [302] and their employment as compatibilizers in polymer blends. [303] AuNPs are already widely used in industrial consumer products, such as cosmetics, food packaging, lubricants, beverages, automobiles, and toothpaste.…”