title: Catechol Redox Induced Formation of Metal Core-Polymer Shell Nanoparticles.
abstract: A novel strategy was developed to synthesize polymer-coated metal nanoparticles (NPs) through reduction of metal cations with 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA)-containing polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymers. Catechol redox chemistry was used to both synthesize metal NPs and simultaneously form a cross-linked shell of PEG polymers on their surfaces. DOPA reduced gold and silver cations into neutral metal atoms, producing reactive quinones that covalently cross-linked the PEG molecules around the surface of the NP. Importantly, these PEG-functionalized metal NPs were stable in physiological ionic strengths and under centrifugation, and hold broad appeal since they absorb and scatter light in aqueous solutions.
authors.affiliation: Biomedical Engineering Department, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208.
authors.forename: Kvar C L
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Black
authors.forename: Zhongqiang
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Phillip B
authors.initials: PB
authors.lastname: Messersmith