Using Glutamic Acid, Phenylalanine and Tryptophan to Synthesize Capped Gold Nanoparticles

Introduction: The study and investigation of gold nanoparticles produced by amino acid is one of the interesting and applied issues in nanotechnology. In this study, amino acids were used to reduce gold cations as well as an agent to cap gold nanoparticles. In fact, strong bound of amino groups to amino acid and protein on the gold nanoparticles surface indicate the medical applications of these materials. Methods: In this study, gold nanoparticles were prepared and functionalized by using solution reduction containing gold cations with optimum concentration (0.005 M), and also prepared by using glutamic acid, phenylalanine and tryptophan with optimum concentration (0.025 M). Results: The investigation of optimum condition for gold solution and amino acids and also determination of gold nanoparticles were done by UV-Vis. The nanoparticles size were reported 5-20, 10-20 and 20-30 nm respectively by transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering techniques, which is appropriate for biological activities. Conclusion: The comparison of the data from experimental and quantum calculations demonstrated that amino acids have strong band when they are conjugated by anion state. Free carboxylic groups of capped gold nanoparticles with glutamic acid are one of the suitable and capable beads for binding to biological agents.