Particle size distribution and shape control of Au nanoparticles used for particle gun

Abstract

Au nanoparticles are expected for the media to transfer genes into plants. However, the control of particle size distribution (PSD) and shape of Au nanoparticles is too difficult to design and prepare particles with suitable quality for the gene supporting media. Reduction crystallization experiments were performed in aqueous solution in order to clarify the effect of feeding conditions such as feeding profile, feeding rate, and feeding amount on PSD and shape of Au nanoparticles. Ascorbic acid (AsA) was selected as a reducing agent because it is safe for plants. Au particles of 50 nm, 50–200 nm, and 150–400 nm were obtained in batch operation, single-jet, and double-jet, respectively. Moreover, in single-jet and double-jet, the mean size of the obtained Au particles increases with the decrease of feeding rate or the increase of feeding amount. It is concluded that PSD of Au nanoparticles can be controlled in the range of 50–400 nm by changing feeding conditions of AsA and HAuCl4 aqueous solution.