Synthesis of gold nanoparticles using multifunctional peptides

The use of a simple one-pot process for synthesizing water-stabilized, monodisperse gold nanoparticles that are covered with biomolecular recognition motifs on their surfaces was analyzed. The synthesis, stabilization, and functionalization of the nanoparticles were achieved in a single step using multifunctional peptides. The results show that small peptides can be used in the synthesis and stabilization of nanoparticles and serve as an alternative to chemical methods. It is also possible to use peptides in the development of multifunctional peptides, that can be useful in biosensing applications, targeting gold nanoparticles into the cells and intracellular organelles, and also as building blocks in the assembly of heterostructures.