Gold nanoparticles are versatile materials for a broad range of applications with well characterized electronic and physical properties. With easily modified surface chemistry, these features have made gold nanoparticles one of the most widely used nanomaterials for academic research and an integral element in point-of-care medical devices and industrial products.

 

Colloidal gold nanoparticles are a highly sought nanomaterial due to the vibrant colors produced by their interaction with visible light. The optical and electronic properties of gold nanoparticles are tunable by changing the size, shape, surface chemistry, or aggregation state. Gold nanoparticle-based colorimetric strategies are widely used for detecting pathogens, pollutants, heavy metals, cancer biomarkers, and various biomolecules, offering rapid and sensitive solutions for healthcare, environmental monitoring, and food safety. Gold nanoparticles possess electronic properties like efficient electron transfer, high conductivity, and customizable interactions, making them versatile tools across fields including transistors, sensors, catalysis, and photovoltaics.