title: Earthworm extracts utilized in the green synthesis of gold nanoparticles capable of reinforcing the anticoagulant activities of heparin.
abstract: Gold nanoparticles were obtained using a green synthesis approach with aqueous earthworm extracts without any additional reducing or capping agents. The gold nanoparticles were characterized using UV-visible spectrophotometry, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The anticoagulant activity of the gold nanoparticles was assessed using the activated partial thromboplastin time and was mildly enhanced by combining the gold nanoparticles with heparin. In addition to the generation of spherical nanoparticles with an average diameter of 6.13 ± 2.13 nm, cubic and block-shaped nanoparticles with an average aspect ratio, defined as the length divided by width, of 1.47 were also observed.
authors.forename: Hee Kyeong
authors.initials: HK
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Myung-Jin
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.forename: Song-Hyun
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Cha
authors.forename: Yean Kyoung
authors.initials: YK
authors.lastname: Koo
authors.forename: Sang Hui
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Jun
authors.forename: Seonho
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cho
authors.affiliation: College of Pharmacy, Inje University, 607 Obang-dong, Gimhae, Gyeongnam 621-749, Republic of Korea. youmiep@inje.ac.kr.
authors.forename: Youmie
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Park