journal article·2026-01

Facile synthesis and biocompatibility assessment of gold submicron particles formed from aqua regia via ouzo method

Svetlana Butulija, Monika Jazdzewska, Katarzyna Ludzik, Ana Valenta Šobot, Iva Ljumović, Verica Mladenović, Jelena Filipović Tričković

Materials Letters· Volume 403
Publisher page

Abstract

This study presents a novel synthesis of gold submicron particles (AuSMPs) using the ouzo effect with tea tree essential oil and aqua regia under ambient conditions. This method enables the rapid formation of smooth-surfaced, crystalline AuSMPs at room temperature without additional reducing agents or surfactants. Structural and morphological characterization (XRD, FESEM, TEM) confirmed the formation of pure, face-centered cubic gold particles ˃100 nm, encapsulated in a thin organic layer derived from the essential oil. XTT assay showed excellent biocompatibility up to 1000 µg/mL, with minimal effects observed only at the highest tested concentration. Owing to their size and surface properties, these particles hold strong potential for biomedical applications.
Source: openaire · Quality: candidate unverified · Source record ↗

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Nanoparticles: synthesis and applications · Gold and Silver Nanoparticles Synthesis and Applications · Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

References (13)

Show source-provided references
1. Gold nanoparticles in nanobiotechnology: from synthesis to biosensing applications10.1021/acsomega.3c10352 ↗
2. Surface plasmon resonance in gold nanoparticles: a review10.1088/1361-648X/aa60f3 ↗
3. Methods for chemical synthesis of colloidal gold10.1070/RCR4843 ↗
4. Antimicrobial, antioxidant and acaricidal properties of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
5. Generation of gold nanoparticles according to procedures described in the eighteenth century10.1007/s13404-014-0139-8 ↗
6. A simple synthesis method for gold nano-and microplate fabrication using a tree-type multiple-amine head surfactant10.1021/cg9008976 ↗
7. Rational design of superior photoelectrochemical system through bioinspired self-assembly of light-harvesting complexes10.1021/acsmaterialslett.3c00712 ↗
8. Mechanistic understanding of nanoparticle interactions to achieve highly-ordered arrays through self-assembly for sensitive surface-enhanced Raman scattering detection of trace thiram10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.139852 ↗
9. Design and One-Pot Synthesis of Capsid-like Gold Colloids with Tunable Surface Roughness and their Enhanced Sensing and Catalytic Performances10.1021/acsami.0c14802 ↗
10. Yucca-derived synthesis of gold nanomaterial and their catalytic potential10.1186/1556-276X-9-627 ↗
11. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs)—toxicity, safety and green synthesis: a critical review10.3390/ijms25074057 ↗
12. The effects of surface functionality and size of gold nanoparticles on neuronal toxicity, apoptosis, ROS Production and Cellular/suborgan Biodistribution
13. Toxicity of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs): a review