Also: colloidal gold, gold nanoshells
Tiny gold particles have unusual colors and chemistry. They are used in tests, sensing, cancer heat therapy research, and catalysis.
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Daniel and Astruc reviewed gold nanoparticle chemistry and uses in biology, catalysis, and nanotechnology.
As reported in: Daniel, Astruc (2003). Gold Nanoparticles: Assembly, Supramolecular Chemistry, Quantum-Size-Related Properties, and Applications toward Biology, Catalysis, and Nanotechnology. Chemical Reviews. doi:10.1021/cr030698+
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Hirsch and colleagues used gold nanoshells and near-infrared light to heat and destroy tumors in mice.
As reported in: Hirsch, Stafford, Bankson et al. (2003). Nanoshell-mediated near-infrared thermal therapy of tumors under magnetic resonance guidance. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. doi:10.1073/pnas.2232479100
Haruta and colleagues found tiny gold particles catalyze carbon monoxide oxidation even below 0 °C.
As reported in: Haruta, Kobayashi, Sano et al. (1987). Novel Gold Catalysts for the Oxidation of Carbon Monoxide at a Temperature far Below 0 °C. Chemistry Letters. doi:10.1246/cl.1987.405
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Turkevich and colleagues studied how gold nanoparticles form, the basis of a widely used synthesis method.
As reported in: Turkevich, Stevenson, Hillier (1951). A study of the nucleation and growth processes in the synthesis of colloidal gold. Discussions of the Faraday Society. doi:10.1039/df9511100055
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Mirkin and colleagues used DNA strands to assemble gold nanoparticles into larger materials, later used in sensitive tests.
As reported in: Mirkin, Letsinger, Mucic et al. (1996). A DNA-based method for rationally assembling nanoparticles into macroscopic materials. Nature. doi:10.1038/382607a0
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