PNNL

Abstract

Nanotechnology has experienced a rapid growth recently because nanoparticles exhibit physical and chemical properties that are quite different from those of the bulk solid. Typically, an organic layer comprised of a surfactant or a polymer is anchored at the interface to both localize the nanoparticle and stabilize its properties. Of particular interest is the conjugation of gold nanoparticles with functional macromolecules such as saccharide and oligo deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). The combination of organic functionality coupled with the dielectric properties of gold nanoparticles has resulted in a new material that provides for sensitive colorimetric detection of polynucleotides. We report here the introduction of thermosensitive polymers onto Au nanoparticles so that the polymer-bound gold nanoparticles now become responsive to temperature.