Synthesis of gold nanoparticles using physical and chemical methods: Strategies for stabilization, controlling shape, size and morphology

Abstract

Tissue engineering, diagnostics, and therapy are just a few of the many medical and biomedical engineering uses for nanotechnology. There is currently a surge of interest in studying how to implement functionalized nanostructures in several biological contexts. The biomedical sector is making substantial use of metal nanoparticles because of their strong thermal stability and small size-to-volume ratio. More than 300 years have passed since the initial colloidal synthesis of gold nanoparticles, and since then, they have been employed in a variety of biological settings. During the past 2decades, these materials have received significant attention from advanced optoelectronics and photovoltaics applications. Gold nanoparticles have physical properties that are distinctive from those of tiny molecules, bulk materials, and other nanoscale particles. Because of their low toxicity, great stability, and easy detection, gold nanoparticles have obvious medical applications. While many different physical, chemical, and biological processes have been employed to synthesize gold nanoparticles over the past few decades, greener alternatives that are less harmful to the environment have lately gained popularity. In this chapter, we discuss the physical, chemical, and biological applications of gold nanoparticles. Furthermore, the methods and tactics for functionalizing gold nanoparticles for drug and bio-macromolecule transport and payload release at the site of action are explored in detail. © 2025 Elsevier Inc. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.