The distinct optical properties of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) enable them to be applied in diverse fields ranging from biomedical engineering to photovoltaics. However, uncoated AuNPs get aggregated in solution and tend to melt when subjected to laser irradiation, causing a notable impact on their optical characteristics.
To address this issue, their surface can be functionalized using chemicals like silica. AuNPs coated with silica deliver exceptional stability and functionality under a broad range of biological, physical and environmental conditions. Merck offers silica-coated AuNPs with a range of dimensions and fluorescence emission to satisfy a wide range of applications.
Applications
- Cell tracking
- Targeted drug delivery
- Photoacoustic imaging
- Dual- and multi-modal imaging
- Multiplex imaging
- Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy
- Biomolecular probes
- Two-photon imaging
- Photonics
- Catalysis