Hybridization of Gold Nanoparticles with Poly(ethylene glycol) Methacrylate and Their Biomedical Applications

The present project was envisioned towards comparative study gold nanoparticles synthesized using Periploca aphyllaDcne. extract (Pe-AuNPs) and poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate coated AuNPs nanocomposites (PEGMA-AuNPs). For this purpose, Pe-AuNPs were prepared using green synthetic approach and then hybridized with PEGMA to form PEGMA-AuNPs. Both the neat and polymer-capped materials were characterized, investigated physico-chemically and the results were compared. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed no new peak after the capping procedure, showing that only physical interactions take place during capping. The crystal structure of the AuNPs was not affected by PEGMA coating. After PEGMA capping, the spectra of the AuNPs red shifted (560-580 nm) and the overall particle size of AuNPs increased. Catalytic activity of the nanoparticles and hybrid system was tested by choosing the catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol [4-NP] as a model reaction. The synthesized AuNPs and polymer hybrid both exhibit catalytic activity in the reduction of 4-NP to 4-aminophenol. Also the polymer hybrid exhibits remarkable antitumor, antioxidant, cytotoxic, antidiabetic and antileishmanial activities.