goldconjugated

Gold conjugation refers to the process of attaching gold nanoparticles to other molecules. This technique is widely used in various scientific fields due to the unique optical and physical properties of gold nanoparticles. The surface of gold nanoparticles can be readily functionalized with a wide range of biomolecules, including proteins, antibodies, DNA, and peptides. This attachment is typically achieved through covalent bonding or non-covalent interactions, such as electrostatic attraction or ligand exchange.

The resulting gold conjugates leverage the properties of gold nanoparticles, such as their strong light scattering and absorption in the visible spectrum, as well as their high surface area. This makes them valuable for applications in diagnostics, imaging, and therapeutics. In diagnostics, gold conjugates are used in lateral flow assays, like pregnancy tests, where the color change indicates a positive result. In imaging, they can serve as contrast agents for techniques like dark-field microscopy and photoacoustic imaging. For therapeutic purposes, gold conjugates can be designed to deliver drugs or heat tissue via photothermal effects. The stability and biocompatibility of gold nanoparticles also contribute to their widespread use in these interdisciplinary applications.