Monday, 29th January 2007 (4180 views)

Urchin-like properties of gold nanoparticles have been discovered, according to recent research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Francesco Stellacci, an assistant professor of materials science and engineering at MIT, has overseen the research which has reported that the room temperature synthesis of gold nanoparticles has produced a number of branches that look like sea urchins, reports Nanowerk News.

Researchers hope that the ability to produce gold nanoparticles of this shape could be used extensively in optical and electronic processes, especially as after drying the gold nanoparticles remain stable but are still water soluble.

The unique urchin shape could also mean that the gold nanoparticles will be able to have large electromagnetic fields, especially close to the tips of their "horns".

Ongoing research into gold nanoparticles is being conducted by a number of global scientists and it is thought that the technology could also be used in a variety of ways to help improve medical treatment by improving toxin detection and combating cancer.

 

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