Self-organization of large gold nanoparticle arrays

Condensed Matter Systems Exposed to Radiation: Multiscale Theory, Simulations, and Experiment

This roadmap reviews the new, highly interdisciplinary research field studying the behavior of condensed matter systems exposed to radiation. The Review highlights several recent advances in the field and provides a roadmap for the development of the field over the next decade. Condensed matter systems exposed to radiation can be inorganic, organic, or biological, finite or infinite, composed of different molecular species or materials, exist in different phases, and operate under different thermodynamic conditions. Many of the key phenomena related to the behavior of irradiated systems are very similar and can be understood based on the same fundamental theoretical principles and computational approaches. The multiscale nature of such phenomena requires the quantitative description of the radiation-induced effects occurring at different spatial and temporal scales, ranging from the atomic to the macroscopic, and the interlinks between such descriptions. The multiscale nature of the effects and the similarity of their manifestation in systems of different origins necessarily bring together different disciplines, such as physics, chemistry, biology, materials science, nanoscience, and biomedical research, demonstrating the numerous interlinks and commonalities between them. This research field is highly relevant to many novel and emerging technologies and medical applications.

Stimuli-responsive nanoparticle self-assembly at complex fluid interfaces: a new insight into dynamic surface chemistry

The self-assembly of core/shell nanoparticles (NPs) at fluid interfaces is a rapidly evolving area with tremendous potential in various fields, including biomedicine, display devices, catalysts, and sensors. This review provides an in-depth exploration of the current state-of-the-art in the programmed design of stimuli-responsive NP assemblies, with a specific focus on inorganic core/organic shell NPs below 100 nm for their responsive adsorption properties at fluid and polymer interfaces. The interface properties, such as ligands, charge, and surface chemistry, play a significant role in dictating the forces and energies governing both NP-NP and NP-hosting matrix interactions. We highlight the fundamental principles governing the reversible surface chemistry of NPs and present detailed experimental examples in the following three key aspects of stimuli-responsive NP assembly: (i) stimuli-driven assembly of NPs at the air/liquid interface, (ii) reversible NP assembly at the liquid/liquid interface, including films and Pickering emulsions, and (iii) hybrid NP assemblies at the polymer/polymer and polymer/water interfaces that exhibit stimuli-responsive behaviors. Finally, we address current challenges in existing approaches and offer a new perspective on the advances in this field.

Nanoparticles: Taking a Unique Position in Medicine

The human nature of curiosity, wonder, and ingenuity date back to the age of humankind. In parallel with our history of civilization, interest in scientific approaches to unravel mechanisms underlying natural phenomena has been developing. Recent years have witnessed unprecedented growth in research in the area of pharmaceuticals and medicine. The optimism that nanotechnology (NT) applied to medicine and drugs is taking serious steps to bring about significant advances in diagnosing, treating, and preventing disease-a shift from fantasy to reality. The growing interest in the future medical applications of NT leads to the emergence of a new field for nanomaterials (NMs) and biomedicine. In recent years, NMs have emerged as essential game players in modern medicine, with clinical applications ranging from contrast agents in imaging to carriers for drug and gene delivery into tumors. Indeed, there are instances where nanoparticles (NPs) enable analyses and therapies that cannot be performed otherwise. However, NPs also bring unique environmental and societal challenges, particularly concerning toxicity. Thus, clinical applications of NPs should be revisited, and a deep understanding of the effects of NPs from the pathophysiologic basis of a disease may bring more sophisticated diagnostic opportunities and yield more effective therapies and preventive features. Correspondingly, this review highlights the significant contributions of NPs to modern medicine and drug delivery systems. This study also attempted to glimpse the future impact of NT in medicine and pharmaceuticals.

Nanomembrane-assembled nanophotonics and optoelectronics: from materials to applications

Nanophotonics and optoelectronics are the keys to the information transmission technology field. The performance of the devices crucially depends on the light-matter interaction, and it is found that three-dimensional (3D) structures may be associated with strong light field regulation for advantageous application. Recently, 3D assembly of flexible nanomembranes has attracted increasing attention in optical field, and novel optoelectronic device applications have been demonstrated with fantastic 3D design. In this review, we first introduce the fabrication of various materials in the form of nanomembranes. On the basis of the deformability of nanomembranes, 3D structures can be built by patterning and release steps. Specifically, assembly methods to build 3D nanomembrane are summarized as rolling, folding, buckling and pick-place methods. Incorporating functional materials and constructing fine structures are two important development directions in 3D nanophotonics and optoelectronics, and we settle previous researches on these two aspects. The extraordinary performance and applicability of 3D devices show the potential of nanomembrane assembly for future optoelectronic applications in multiple areas.

Formation and Characterization of 2D Closely Packed Arrays of Bare Gold Nanoparticles without Aggregation

Uniform 2D arrays of metal nanoparticles (NPs) have received significant attention in the field of molecular sensing using localized surface plasmon resonance. Generally, metal NPs bear organic surface-modifying molecules to prevent aggregation and form 2D metal NP arrays. However, surface-modifying molecules negatively affect molecular sensing. Previously, we developed a technique for forming a 2D bare metal NP array, denoted the sandwich (SW) technique. However, the formation mechanism of these 2D metal NP arrays remains unknown and therefore the experimental conditions of the SW technique are not optimized. Here, we observed the formation of a 2D Au NP (d: 60 nm) array using the SW technique with an optical microscope. Moderate drying conditions of the colloidal droplets sandwiched between two parallel substrates were necessary for forming 2D Au NP arrays. We then optimized the drying conditions and obtained a 2D Au NP array. This array was uniform, and the Au NPs were arranged at distances of 4.5 nm with hexagonal periodicity, without aggregation. Further, the 2D Au NP arrays exhibited excellent spot-to-spot reproducibility in surface-enhanced Raman scattering.

Tuning the Packing Density of Gold Nanoparticles in Peptoid Nanosheets Prepared at the Oil-Water Interface

Two-dimensional (2D) arrays of gold nanoparticles that can freely float in water are promising materials for solution-based plasmonic applications like sensing. To be effective sensors, it is critical to control the interparticle gap distance and thus the plasmonic properties of the 2D arrays. Here, we demonstrate excellent control over the interparticle gap distance in a family of freely floating gold nanoparticle-embedded peptoid nanosheets. Nanosheets are made via monolayer assembly and collapse at the oil-water interface, allowing for fine control over the solution nanoparticle concentration during assembly. We used surface pressure measurements to monitor the assembly of the peptoid, nanoparticle, and combined system at the oil-water interface to determine a workable range of nanosheet assembly conditions suitable for controlling the interparticle gap distances within the nanosheets. These measurements revealed that the extent of nanoparticle adsorption to the peptoid monolayer can be tuned by varying the bulk nanoparticle concentration, but the ability for the monolayer to collapse into nanosheets is compromised at high nanoparticle concentrations. Peptoid nanosheets were synthesized with varying bulk nanoparticle concentrations and analyzed using light microscopy and UV-visible spectroscopy. Based on the spectral shift of the localized surface plasmon resonance peaks for the nanoparticles in the nanosheets relative to those well dispersed in toluene, we estimate that we can access interparticle gap distances within the nanosheet interior between 2.9 ± 0.5 and 9 ± 2 nm. Our results suggest that the minimum interparticle distance achievable by this method is limited by the nanoparticle ligand length, and so has the potential to be further tuned by varying the ligand chemical structure. The ability to quantitatively control and monitor the assembly conditions by this method provide an opportunity to readily tune the optoelectronic properties of this new class of 2D nanomaterial, making it a promising platform for plasmonic-based sensing applications.

Shape and deposition angle control of silver film-over-nanosphere SERS substrates

Thin metallic films on dielectric nanospheres are demonstrated to have a high potential for the fabrication of cost-effective SERS substrates. In addition to the morphological advantages that nanospheres offer for attaining a high density of hot spots, possessing shape adjustability by uncomplicated thermal treatment makes them an attractive platform for tuneable SERS substrates. Furthermore, when combined with the oblique angle metal deposition technique, adjustable gaps at a high density and adjustable shape of metal films, such as Ag films, can be achieved on nanospheres. Applying small changes in deposition angle can provide means for fine adjustment of the Raman enhancement factor (EF), resulting in EF up to 10⁸measured using crystal violet dye molecule as a Raman analyte. This practice paves the way for the fabrication of high EF SERS substrates at a reasonable cost using a monolayer of self-organized nanosphere patterns. An ultra-thin Ag film coated at 5° tilt is shown to be an excellent substitute for a film deposited at 0° with double the thickness. There is a strong agreement between the experimental results and finite-elements-method-based Maxwell simulations exhibiting expected field enhancements up to 10⁹at a tilt angle of 5°.

Exploring the 3D structure and defects of a self-assembled gold mesocrystal by coherent X-ray diffraction imaging

Mesocrystals are nanostructured materials consisting of individual nanocrystals having a preferred crystallographic orientation. On mesoscopic length scales, the properties of mesocrystals are strongly affected by structural heterogeneity. Here, we report the detailed structural characterization of a faceted mesocrystal grain self-assembled from 60 nm sized gold nanocubes. Using coherent X-ray diffraction imaging, we determined the structure of the mesocrystal with the resolution sufficient to resolve each gold nanoparticle. The reconstructed electron density of the gold mesocrystal reveals its intrinsic structural heterogeneity, including local deviations of lattice parameters, and the presence of internal defects. The strain distribution shows that the average superlattice obtained by angular X-ray cross-correlation analysis and the real, "multidomain" structure of a mesocrystal are very close to each other, with a deviation less than 10%. These results will provide an important impact to understanding the fundamental principles of structuring and self-assembly including ensuing properties of mesocrystals.

Macroscopic two-dimensional monolayer films of gold nanoparticles: fabrication strategies, surface engineering and functional applications

In the last few decades, two-dimensional monolayer films of gold nanoparticles (2D MFGS) have attracted increasing attention in various fields, due to their superior attributes of macroscopic size and accessible fabrication, controllable electromagnetic enhancement, distinctive optical harvesting and electron transport capabilities. This review will focus on the recent progress of 2D monolayer films of gold nanoparticles in construction approaches, surface engineering strategies and functional applications in the optical and electric fields. The research challenges and prospective directions of 2D MFGS are also discussed. This review would promote a better understanding of 2D MFGS and establish a necessary bridge among the multidisciplinary research fields.

Functionalization of Gold Nanoparticles by Inorganic Entities

The great affinity of gold surface for numerous electron-donating groups has largely contributed to the rapid development of functionalized gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs). In the last years, a new subclass of nanocomposite has emerged, based on the association of inorganic molecular entities (IME) with Au-NPs. This highly extended and diversified subclass was promoted by the synergy between the intrinsic properties of the shell and the gold core. This review-divided into four main parts-focuses on an introductory section of the basic notions related to the stabilization of gold nanoparticles and defines in a second part the key role played by the functionalizing agent. Then, we present a wide range of inorganic molecular entities used to prepare these nanocomposites (NCs). In particular, we focus on four different types of inorganic systems, their topologies, and their current applications. Finally, the most recent applications are described before an overview of this new emerging field of research.

Macroscopic Au@PANI Core/Shell Nanoparticle Superlattice Monolayer Film with Dual-Responsive Plasmonic Switches

The self-assembled gold nanoparticle (NP) superlattice displays unusual but distinctive features such as high mechanical and free-standing performance, electrical conductivity, and plasmonic properties, which are widely employed in various applications especially in biological diagnostics and optoelectronic devices. For a two-dimensional (2D) superlattice monolayer film composed of a given metal nanostructure, it is rather challenging to tune either its plasmonic properties or its optical properties in a reversible way, and it has not been reported. It is therefore of significant value to construct a free-standing 2D superlattice monolayer film of gold nanoparticles with an intelligent response and desired functions. Herein, we developed an easy and efficient approach to construct a gold nanoparticle superlattice film with a dual-responsive plasmonic switch. In this system, gold nanoparticles were coated by polyaniline (PANI) and then interracially self-assembled into a monolayer film at the air-liquid interface. The PANI shell plays two important roles in the superlattice monolayer film. First, the PANI shell acts as a physical spacer to provide a steric hindrance to counteract the van der Waals (vdW) attraction between densely packed nanoparticles (NPs), resulting in the formation of a superlattice by adjusting the thickness of the PANI shell. Second, the PANI shells provide the superlattice film with multiple stimuli such as electrical potential and pH change, leading to reversible optical and plasmonic responsiveness. The superlattice monolayer film can show a vivid color change from olive green to pink, or from olive green to violet by the change of the corresponding stimuli. Also, the localized surface plasmonic resonance (LSPR) of the superlattice monolayer film can be reversibly modulated by both by changing the local pH and applying an electric potential. Notably, a significant plasmonic shift of 157 nm can be achieved in the superlattice monolayer film when the PANI shell with a thickness of 35 nm and gold nanorods as a core were used. The superlattice monolayer film with dual-responsive plasmonic switches is promising for a range of potential applications in optoelectronic devices, plasmonic and colorimetric sensors, and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS).

Sonochemical synthesis and physical properties of Co0.3Ni0.5Mn0.2EuxFe2-xO4 nano-spinel ferrites

Nanoparticles (NPs) of composition Co0.3Ni0.5Mn0.2EuxFe2-xO4, where 0.00 ≤ x ≤ 0.10 (hereafter called CNMEuF) were synthesized by sonochemical approach using UZ SONOPULS HD 2070 ultrasonic homogenizer (frequency of 20 kHz and power of 70 W). As-synthesized samples were characterized thoroughly to determine the effects of europium ions (Eu3+) substitution on their structure, morphology and magnetic traits. Structural analyses of the synthesized NPs confirmed their high purity and crystalline cubic phases. Percent diffuse reflectance (%DR) data and Kubelka-Munk theory were exploited to evaluate the optical band gap energies of the studied CNMEuF NPs. Values of optical band gap energies obtained from the Tauc plots were observed in the range of 1.47-1.58 eV. The hysteresis loops (at room temperature and 10 K) of synthesized NPs were analyzed to determine their magnetic properties. These NPs disclosed superparamagnetic and hard ferrimagnetic character at room temperature and 10 K, respectively. With exception, the sample with x = 0.10 revealed soft ferrimagnetic behavior at 10 K. Eu3+ doping was shown to have significant influence on the structure and magnetic attributes of the proposed CNMEuF NPs. Values of various magnetic parameters of proposed compositions were reduced with the increase in Eu3+ dopant contents.

One-Step Preparation Method of Flexible Metafilms on the Water-Oil Interface: Self-Assembly Surface Plasmon Structures for Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Detection

The present study demonstrated a one-step method for the first time to fabricate self-assembled gold nanoparticle (AuNP) metafilms at the water-toluene interface by adding polystyrene-polyisoprene-polystyrene as the support layer. The thiolated polyethylene glycol and ethanol were used to tune the surface charge density on the AuNPs, constructing a balanced situation at the water-toluene interface. The flexible (AuNP) metafilm can be easily obtained after evaporation of the toluene phase and further used as a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate for trace thiram detection. The SERS sensitivity was tested using standard Raman probes such as crystal violet and malachite green, both with the detect concentration reaching 1 × 10^-11 M. Moreover, the excellent reproducibility and elastic properties make the metafilm promising in practical detection. Hence, the trace thiram detection on an orange pericarp was inspected with the detection limit of 0.5 ppm (1 × 10^-6 M) as well as a favorable linearity relation with a correlation coefficient of 0.979, exactly matching the realistic application requirements.

Precise supramolecular control of surface coverage densities on polymer micro- and nanoparticles

We report herein the controlled surface functionalization of micro- and nanoparticles by supramolecular host-guest interactions. Our idea is to exploit the competition of two high-affinity guests for binding to the surface-bound supramolecular host cucurbit[7]uril (CB7). To establish our strategy, surface azide groups were introduced to hard-sphere (poly)methylmethacrylate particles with a grafted layer of poly(acrylic acid), and a propargyl derivative of CB7 was coupled to the surface by click chemistry. The amount of surface-bound CB7 was quantified with the high-affinity guest aminomethyladamantane (AMADA), which revealed CB7 surface coverage densities around 0.3 nmol cm-2 indicative of a 3D layer of CB7 binding sites on the surface. The potential for surface functionalization was demonstrated with an aminoadamantane-labeled rhodamine (Ada-Rho) as a second high-affinity guest. Simultaneous incubation of CB7-functionalized particles with both high-affinity guests, AMADA and Ada-Rho, revealed a simple linear relationship between the resulting surface coverage densities of the model fluorescent dye and the mole fraction of Ada-Rho in the incubation mixture. This suggests a highly modular supramolecular strategy for the stable immobilization of application-relevant molecules on particle surfaces and a precise control of their surface coverage densities.

Application of Gold-Nanoparticle Colorimetric Sensing to Rapid Food Safety Screening

Due to their unique optical properties, narrow size distributions, and good biological affinity, gold nanoparticles have been widely applied in sensing analysis, catalytic, environmental monitoring, and disease therapy. The color of a gold nanoparticle solution and its maximum characteristic absorption wavelength will change with the particle size and inter-particle spacing. These properties are often used in the detection of hazardous chemicals, such as pesticide residues, heavy metals, banned additives, and biotoxins, in food. Because the gold nanoparticles-colorimetric sensing strategy is simple, quick, and sensitive, this method has extensive applications in real-time on-site monitoring and rapid testing of food quality and safety. Herein, we review the preparation methods, functional modification, photochemical properties, and applications of gold nanoparticle sensors in rapid testing. In addition, we elaborate on the colorimetric sensing mechanisms. Finally, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of colorimetric sensors based on gold nanoparticles, and directions for future development.

Green Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles Using Carrageenan Oligosaccharide and Their In Vitro Antitumor Activity

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been widely used in catalysis, photothermal therapy, and targeted drug delivery. Carrageenan oligosaccharide (CAO) derived from marine red algae was used as a reducing and capping agent to obtain AuNPs by an eco-friendly, efficient, and simple synthetic route for the first time. The synthetic conditions of AuNPs were optimized by response surface methodology (RSM), and the CAO-AuNPs obtained were demonstrated to be ellipsoidal, stable and crystalline by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The CAO-AuNPs showed localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) oscillation at about 530 nm with a mean diameter of 35 ± 8 nm. The zeta potential of CAO-AuNPs was around -20 mV, which was related to the negatively charged CAO around AuNPs. The CAO-AuNPs exhibited significant cytotoxic activities to HCT-116 and MDA-MB-231 cells, which could be a promising nanomaterial for drug delivery.

Ultrathin Polydiacetylene-Based Synergetic Composites with Plasmon-Enhanced Photoelectric Properties

Fabricating plasmon-enhanced organic nanomaterials with technologically relevant supporting architectures on planar solids remains a challenging task in the chemistry of thin films and interfaces. In this work, we report a bottom-up assembly of ultrathin layered composites of conductive polymers with photophysical properties enhanced by gold nanoparticles. The polydiacetylene component was formed by photopolymerization of a catanionic mixture of pentacosadiynoic surfactants on a surface of citrate-stabilized gold hydrosol monitored by a fiber optic spectrometer. Microscopic examination of the 3 nm thick solid-immobilized film showed that gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) do not aggregate within the monolayer upon polymerization. This polydiacetylene/AuNPs monolayer was coupled with 60 nm thick polyaniline-based layer deposited atop. The resulting polymer composite with an integrated 4-stripe electric cell showed nonadditive electric behavior due to the formation of electron-hole pairs with increased charge carrier mobility at the interface between the polymer layers. Under visible light irradiation of the composite film, a plasmonic effect of the gold nanoparticles was observed at the onset of photoconductivity, although neither polydiacetylene nor the polyaniline component alone are photoconductive polymers. The results indicate that our bottom-up strategy can be expanded to design other plasmon-enhanced ultrathin polymer composites with potential applications in optoelectronics and photovoltaics.

Size-Dependent Phase Transfer Functionalization of Gold Nanoparticles To Promote Well-Ordered Self-Assembly

We present a route for the functionalization of gold nanoparticles (AuNP) based on phase transfer functionalization in order to optimize the stability and the potential for self-assembly. Depending on the desired size, different ligand exchanges have to be employed: The maximum AuNP size that can be stabilized without concentration loss is 46 nm for polystyrene-based ligands with 5 and 10 kDa. Small particles <12 nm are better stabilized by smaller ligands. We are able to demonstrate that well-ordered close-packed monolayers of 28 nm AuNP covering at least 400 μm² are possible with a potential for much larger areas. Such monolayers are of great interest for various fundamental experiments in the context of plasmonics and SERS and for sensor applications.

Formation of Uniform and High-Coverage Monolayer Colloidal Films of Midnanometer-Sized Gold Particles over the Entire Surfaces of 1.5-in. Substrates

We report a simple and facile method for fabricating monolayer colloidal films of alkanethiol-capped gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on glass substrates. The new method consists of two sequential sonication processes. The first sonication is performed to obtain a well-dispersed state of alkanethiol-capped AuNPs in hexane/acetone in the presence of a substrate. After additional static immersion in the colloidal solution for 5 min, the substrate is subjected to sonication in hexane. By using this method, we succeeded in forming uniform and stable assemblies of midnanometer-sized AuNPs (14, 34, and 67 nm in diameter) over the entire surface of 10-mm square glass substrates in a short processing time of less than 10 min. It was also demonstrated that this method can be applied to a 1.5-in. octagonal glass substrate. The mechanism of monolayer colloidal film formation was discussed based on scanning electron microscopy observations at each preparation step. We found that the second sonication was the key process for uniform and high-surface-coverage colloidal film formation of midnanometer-sized AuNPs. The second sonication promotes the migration of AuNPs on top of the monolayer in contact with the substrate surface, decreasing both the multilayer region and the bare surface area. Eventually, a nearly perfect monolayer colloidal film is formed.

Self-Assembly of Large Gold Nanoparticles for Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

Performance of portable technologies from mobile phones to electric vehicles is currently limited by the energy density and lifetime of lithium batteries. Expanding the limits of battery technology requires in situ detection of trace components at electrode-electrolyte interphases. Surface-enhance Raman spectroscopy could satisfy this need if a robust and reproducible substrate were available. Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) larger than 20 nm diameter are expected to greatly enhance Raman intensity if they can be assembled into ordered monolayers. A three-phase self-assembly method is presented that successfully results in ordered Au NP monolayers for particle diameters ranging from 13 to 90 nm. The monolayer structure and Raman enhancement factors (EFs) are reported for a model analyte, rhodamine, as well as the best performing polymer electrolyte salt, lithium bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide. Experimental EFs for the most part correlate with predictions based on monolayer geometry and with numerical simulations that identify local electromagnetic field enhancements. The EFs for the best performing Au NP monolayer are between 10⁶ and 10⁸ and give quantitative signal response when analyte concentration is changed.

In situ synthesis of Au-shelled Ag nanoparticles on PDMS for flexible, long-life, and broad spectrum-sensitive SERS substrates

A simple, fast, one-step fabrication of silver nanoparticles with atomically thin gold coatings on polydimethylsiloxane affords oxidation-resistant and highly sensitive surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates.

Polyoxovanadate fabricated gold nanoparticles: Application in SERS

This article reports a surface modification of gold nanoparticles with water soluble polyoxometalate, V₁₀O₂₈^6- (decavanadate, V10). Two sizes of citrate-capped gold nanoparticles AuNP-Citrate-S (∼11nm) and AuNP-Citrate-L (∼46nm) were modified with V10 in aqueous media to form AuNP-V10-S and AuNP-V10-L, respectively. Both AuNP-V10-S and AuNP-V10-L were found to be significantly better than their citrate counterparts in strengthening Raman vibrational signals of analyte molecule. All the nanoparticles were characterized by UV-visible and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopies, dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) line analysis. We demonstrate that AuNP-V10-L is excellent surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate for a Raman-active analyte molecule at nanomolar concentrations.

Automated Combinatorial Process for Nanofabrication of Structures Using Bioderivatized Nanoparticles

A fully automated electronic microarray control system (Nanochip 400 System) was used to carry out a combinatorial process to determine optimal conditions for fabricating higher order three-dimensional nanoparticle structures. Structures with up to 40 layers of bioderivatized nanoparticles were fabricated on a 400-test site CMOS microarray using the automated Nanochip 400 System. Reconfigurable electric fields produced on the surface of the CMOS microarray device actively transport, concentrate, and promote binding of 40 nm biotin- and streptavidin-derivatized nanoparticles to selected test sites on the microarray surface. The overall fabrication process including nanoparticle reagent delivery to the microarray device, electronic control of the CMOS microarray and the optical/fluorescent detection, and monitoring of nanoparticle layering are entirely controlled by the Nanochip 400 System. The automated nanoparticle layering process takes about 2 minutes per layer, with 10–20 seconds required for the electronic addressing and binding of nanoparticles, and roughly 60 seconds for washing. The addressing and building process is monitored by changes in fluorescence intensity as each nanoparticle layer is deposited. The final multilayered 3D structures are about 2 μm in thickness and 55 μm in diameter. Multilayer nanoparticle structures and control sites on the microarray were verified by SEM analysis.

Self-Assembled Large-Scale Monolayer of Au Nanoparticles at the Air/Water Interface Used as a SERS Substrate

Self-assembly of metal nanoparticles has attracted considerable attention because of its unique applications in technologies such as plasmonics, surface-enhanced optics, sensors, and catalysts. However, fabrication of ordered nanoparticle structures remains a significant challenge. Thus, developing an efficient approach for the assembly of large-scale Au nanoparticles films for theoretical studies and for various applications is highly desired. In this paper, a facial approach for fabricating a monolayer film of Au nanoparticles was developed successfully. Using the surfactant polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), a large-scale monolayer film of well-ordered, uniform-sized Au nanoparticles was fabricated at the air/water interface. The film exhibited a two-dimensional (2D) hexagonal close-packed (HCP) structure having interparticle gaps smaller than 2 nm. These gaps generated numerous uniform "hot spots" for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) activity. The as-prepared monolayer film could be transferred to a solid substrate for use as a suitable SERS substrate with high activity, high uniformity, and high stability. The low spot-to-spot and substrate-to-substrate variations of intensity (<10%), the large surface enhancement factor (∼10(6)), and the high stability (∼45 days) make the substrate suitable for SERS measurements. Transfer of the monolayer film onto a glassy carbon electrode produced an Au electrode with clean, well-defined nanostructure suitable for electrochemical SERS measurements. The adsorption process of ionic liquids on the electrode with the monolayer film is similar to that on bulk metal electrodes. The present strategy provides an effective way for self-assembly of Au nanoparticles into well-defined nanostructures that may form optimal reproducible SERS substrates for quantitative analysis. It also provides an electrode with clean, well-defined nanostructure for electrochemical investigations.

Particle-Film Plasmons on Periodic Silver Film over Nanosphere (AgFON): A Hybrid Plasmonic Nanoarchitecture for Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

Plasmonic systems based on particle-film plasmonic couplings have recently attracted great attention because of the significantly enhanced electric field at the particle-film gaps. Here, we introduce a hybrid plasmonic architecture utilizing combined plasmonic effects of particle-film gap plasmons and silver film over nanosphere (AgFON) substrates. When gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are assembled on AgFON substrates with controllable particle-film gap distances, the AuNP-AgFON system supports multiple plasmonic couplings from interparticle, particle-film, and crevice gaps, resulting in a huge surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) effect. We show that the periodicity of AgFON substrates and the particle-film gaps greatly affects the surface plasmon resonances, and thus, the SERS effects due to the interplay between multiple plasmonic couplings. The optimally designed AuNP-AgFON substrate shows a SERS enhancement of 233 times compared to the bare AgFON substrate. The ultrasensitive SERS sensing capability is also demonstrated by detecting glutathione, a neurochemical molecule that is an important antioxidant, down to the 10 pM level.

Construction of biomolecular sensors based on quantum dots

At this post-genomic era, the focus of life science research has shifted from life genetic information to general biofunctions. Biomolecular sensors based on QDs will play an important role in the identification and detection of biomolecules.

Assembly of Mid-Nanometer-Sized Gold Particles Capped with Mixed Alkanethiolate SAMs into High-Coverage Colloidal Films

We investigated the influence of the mixed n-alkanethiolate self-assembled monolayer (SAM) formed on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs: 50.0 ± 3.2 nm in diameter) on their assembly into colloidal films. Dodecanethiol and octadecanethiol were selected as the short- and long-chain alkanethiols, respectively. The mixed SAMs were formed by immersing AuNPs in a mixed alkanethiol solution at different molar ratios. Au colloidal films were fabricated on indium tin oxide substrates by our previously reported hybrid method. The composition of the two alkanethiolates in the SAM was deduced from the intensity ratio of two Raman bands at 1080 and 1105 cm(-1). The surface coverage of the colloidal films increased by forming equimolar or dodecanethiolate-dominant mixed SAMs on AuNPs instead of a pure dodecanethiolate or octadecanethiolate SAM. The highest coverage exceeded 80%. This improvement is attributed to the high dispersion stability of AuNPs covered with equimolar or dodecanethiolate-dominant mixed SAMs.

Calix[4]arene-Functionalised Silver Nanoparticles as Hosts for Pyridinium-Loaded Gold Nanoparticles as Guests

A series of lipophilic gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) circa 5 nm in diameter and having a mixed organic layer consisting of 1-dodecanethiol and 1-(11-mercaptoundecyl) pyridinium bromide was synthesised by reacting tetraoctylammonium bromide stabilised AuNPs in toluene with different mixtures of the two thiolate ligands. A bidentate ω-alkylthiolate calix[4]arene derivative was instead used as a functional protecting layer on AgNPs of approximately 3 nm. The functionalised nanoparticles were characterised by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and by UV/Vis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Recognition of the pyridinium moieties loaded on the AuNPs by the calix[4]arene units immobilised on the AgNPs was demonstrated in solution of weakly polar solvents by UV/Vis titrations and DLS measurements. The extent of Au-AgNPs aggregation, shown through the low-energy shift of their surface plasmon bands (SPB), was strongly dependent on the loading of the pyridinium moieties present in the organic layer of the AuNPs. Extensive aggregation between dodecanethiol-capped AuNPs and the Ag calix[4]arene-functionalised NPs was also promoted by the action of a simple N-octyl pyridinium difunctional supramolecular linker. This linker can interdigitate through its long fatty tail in the organic layer of the dodecanethiol-capped AuNPs, and simultaneously interact through its pyridinium moiety with the calix[4]arene units at the surface of the modified AgNPs.

Two-Dimensional Superlattices of Bi Nanoclusters Formed on a Au(111) Surface Using Porous Supramolecular Templates

We used porous supramolecular structures as templates to make two-dimensional (2D) superlattices of Bi nanoclusters on a Au(111) surface. First, we applied on-surface self-assembly to prepare 2D porous supramolecular structures containing well-ordered nanopores. Then, we deposited Bi atoms on the surface. The Bi atoms were confined in the supramolecular pores and formed nanoclusters of a critical size that is defined by the pore size. These nanoclusters were arranged as a 2D superlattice dictated by the structure of the supramolecular templates. The nanocluster size and superlattice periodicity can be adjusted by appropriately designing the supramolecular structures. We further studied the formation mechanism of the nanoclusters. We found that Bi atoms could diffuse across the pore boundaries at room temperature and nucleated as clusters inside the pores. The clusters grew until they reached the critical size and became stable. We used kinetic Monte Carlo simulations to reproduce the experimental results and quantified the interpore diffusion barrier to be 0.65 eV.

Highly stable antibacterial silver nanoparticles as selective fluorescent sensor for Fe³⁺ ions

Calix[4]resorcinarene polyhydrazide (CPH) protected water dispersible fluorescent silver nanaoparticles (AgNps) were prepared by one-pot method using water soluble CPH and AgNO₃. (CPH) bearing hydrazide group on its periphery acts as a reducing agent and its web type of structure as a stabilizing agent for the formation of calix protected silver nanoparticles (CPH-AgNps). CPH-AgNps were found to be highly stable over 120 days at room temperature and at varied pH. CPH-AgNps were characterized by UV/Vis-spectroscopy, particle size analyzer (PSA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). Duly characterized nanoparticles were explored for their application as sensitive and selective fluorescent chemosensors for various metal ions. It was found that nanoparticles were selective and sensitive only for Fe(3+) ions with the linear range of detection from 0.1 μM to 10 μM. CPH-AgNps were also found to exhibit good antimicrobial activity when compared with standard Chloramphenicol. The selectivity and antimicrobial activity of CPH-AgNps suggests its potential use as a sensor for Fe(III) ions in ecosystems prone to industrial pollution and as an antimicrobial agent in biological applications.

Adjustable plasmonic optical properties of hollow gold nanospheres monolayers and LSPR-dependent surface-enhanced Raman scattering of hollow gold nanosphere/graphene oxide hybrids

Colloidal hollow gold nanospheres with adjustable localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) properties were synthesized and self-assembled into HGNs monolayers for investigation of LSPR-dependent surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) behavior.

Photo-responsive reversible assembly of gold nanoparticles coated with pillar[5]arenes

Gold nanoparticles stabilized by sulfhydryl functionalized pillar[5]arenes were successfully prepared. When they complex with anthracene derivatives on their surfaces, they can reversibly aggregate and disassemble based on photocycloaddition of anthracene.

Metal nanoparticles and supramolecular macrocycles: a tale of synergy

In this minireview, we summarize current research dealing with the combination of noble-metal nanoparticles and different families of supramolecular macrocycles (cyclodextrins, cucurbit[n]urils, calixarenes, and pillar[n]arenes). We intended to select relevant publications on the synthesis of noble-metal nanoparticles with macrocycles acting as capping agents or/and reducing agents, as well as on the post-synthetic metal-nanoparticle modification with macrocycles. We also discuss strategies in which supramolecular chemistry is applied to direct the self-assembly of nanoparticles and formation of polymer composites. We finally describe the main applications of these materials in various fields.

Size histograms of gold nanoparticles measured by gravitational sedimentation

Sedimentation curves of gold nanoparticles in water were obtained by measuring the optical density of a suspension over time. The results are not subject to sampling errors, and refer to the particles in situ. Curves obtained simultaneously at several wave lengths were analyzed together to derive the size histogram of the sedimenting particles. The bins in the histogram were 5 nm wide and centered at diameters 60, 65, …, 110 nm. To get the histogram, we weighted previously calculated solutions to the Mason-Weaver sedimentation-diffusion equation for various particle diameters with absorption/scattering coefficients and size (diameter) abundances {c(j)}, and found the {c(j)} which gave the best fit to all the theoretical sedimentation curves. The effects of changing the number of bins and the wave lengths used were studied. Going to smaller bins would mean determining more parameters and require more wave lengths. The histograms derived from sedimentation agreed quite well in general with the histogram derived from TEM. Differences found for the smallest particle diameters are partly due to statistical fluctuations (TEM found only 1-2 particles out of 103 with these diameters). More important is that the TEM histogram indicates 12% of the particles have diameters of 75±2.5 nm, and the sedimentation histogram shows none. We show that this reflects the difference between the particles in situ, which possess a low-density shell about 1 nm thick, and the bare particles on the TEM stage. Correcting for this makes agreement between the two histograms excellent. Comparing sedimentation-derived with TEM-derived histograms thus shows differences between the particles in situ and on the TEM stage.

Tunable SERS using gold nanoaggregates on an elastomeric substrate

We report on the self-assembly of colloidal gold nanoparticles on a stretchable, elastomeric membrane, and the use of this membrane as a base substrate for far-field confocal Raman measurements. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) enhancement for such a substrate was estimated as 10(6) to 10(7). Atomic force microscopy has been used to study the changes in nanoparticle topography when the membrane is stretched. The homogeneous strain defined by average relative motion of nanoparticles is approximately half the macroscopically-applied biaxial strain. The SERS intensity was maximized when the membrane was at rest (i.e. without stretch), and reduced as stretching was increased. Our measurements are consistent with theoretical and numerical SERS enhancements for the interstitial gap between two spheres. The data indicate that the resting gap between the spheres is 11 nm or 16 nm, using two theoretical models. This work represents progress towards particularly facile sample fabrication and in situ tuning techniques for SERS.