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In Situ Gold Nanoparticle Gradient Formation in a 3D Meso‐ and Macroporous Polymer Matrix
Author(s) -
Penders Jelle,
Rajasekharan Anand K.,
Hulander Mats,
Andersson Martin
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
macromolecular rapid communications
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.348
H-Index - 154
eISSN - 1521-3927
pISSN - 1022-1336
DOI - 10.1002/marc.201700231
Subject(s) - colloidal gold , nanoparticle , materials science , polymer , particle (ecology) , nanotechnology , chemical engineering , scanning electron microscope , copolymer , in situ , polymer chemistry , chemistry , composite material , organic chemistry , oceanography , geology , engineering
Herein, the development and characterization of a 3D gradient structure of gold nanoparticles is described. The gradient of gold nanoparticles is made in situ in a macroporous nonionic block copolymer hydrogel matrix, through gold ion diffusion control. The polymer provides a matrix for diffusion of gold ions, acts as a template for controlling nanoparticle growth, and facilitates the in situ reduction of gold ions to gold nanoparticles. A clear gradient in gold nanoparticles is observed across the 3D space of the polymer matrix using scanning electron microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The particle gradient is further functionalized with both hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups via thiol‐gold linkage to demonstrate the ability to form gradients with different chemical functionalities. Using additive manufacturing, the polymer can also be printed as a porous network with possible applications for 3D cell culturing in, e.g., biomaterials research.