Optimization of gold nanoparticles synthesis using design of experiments technique

Abstract

Gold nanoparticles are considered the newest drug carriers for different diseases. Therefore it is appropriate continuous optimization of their preparation. In this study, gold colloids with an average size of 1-26 nm were obtained by the reduction of tetrachloroauric acid with trisodium citrate. The nanomaterials were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering technique. In addition, zeta potential was measured for samples synthesized in order to determine the stability of the colloids. A Two-level Full Factorial de sign was chosen to de te rmine the optimum se t of proce ss parame te rs (chloroauric acid concentration and sodium citrate concentration) and their effect on various gold nanoparticles characteristics (size and zeta potential). These effects were quantified using Design of Experiments (DoE) with 5 runs and 1 centerpoint. The selected objective and process model in this investigation are screening and interaction. Findings from this research show that to obtain particles larger than 35 nm, it is recommended to increase sodium citrate concentration, at low chloroauric acid values. These conditions will help to achieve smaller zeta potential, too.