Nanotechnology

Research findings from C.H. Wang et al update understanding of applied physics

  2008 NOV 17 - (VerticalNews.com) -- "The polyethylene glycol (PEG) modified gold nanoparticle complex was synthesized by a one-solution synchrotron x-ray irradiation method. The impact on the structure and morphology of the gold nanoparticles of process parameters such as the PEG molecular weight, the PEG/gold molar ratio and the x-ray dosage were investigated," investigators in Taipei, Taiwan report.

  "The size of PEG modified gold particles was found to decrease with increasing PEG addition and x-ray dosage. With the capability to monitor the absorption spectra in situ during the fast synthesis process, this opens the way to accurate control of the size and distribution. PEG chains with an intermediate length (MW6000) were found optimal for size control and colloidal stability in biologically relevant media," wrote C.H. Wang and colleagues.

  The researchers concluded: "Our x-ray synthesized PEG-gold nanoparticles could find interesting applications in nanoparticle-enhanced x-ray tumour imaging and therapy."

  Wang and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Physics D - Applied Physics (Optimizing the size and surface properties of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-gold nanoparticles by intense x-ray irradiation. Journal of Physics D - Applied Physics, 2008;41(19):95301).

  For additional information, contact Y. Hwu, Academy Sinica, Institute Physics, Taipei 115, Taiwan.

  The publisher of the Journal of Physics D - Applied Physics can be contacted at: IOP Publishing Ltd., Dirac House, Temple Back, Bristol BS1 6BE, England.

  Keywords: Emerging Technologies, Gold Nanoparticles, Nanoparticle, Nanotech, Nanotechnology, Physics, SynchrotronsApplied Physics.

  This article was prepared by VerticalNews Nanotechnology editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2008, VerticalNews Nanotechnology via VerticalNews.com.