Amphiphilic gold nanoparticles: Synthesis, characterization and adsorption to PEGylated polymer surfaces

▶ Gold-based nanoparticles with diameter <10 nm and a mixed hydrophilic (oligoethylene oxide)/hydrophobic shell were prepared in a facile one-step synthesis. ▶ Adsorption/self-assembly of a polystyrene poly(ethylene glycol) diblock copolymer from aqueous solutions has been used to tailor the hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance of polystyrene surfaces. ▶ Analogous adsorption behaviour to PEGylated polymer surfaces has been observed for a protein and nanoparticles of similar size composed of a gold core and a hydrophilic/hydrophobic shell.