Noble Metal Nanoparticles and Their (Bio) Conjugates. I. Preparation

<p>Noble metal nanoparticles are important subjects in the field of nanotechnology. Various synthetic processes have been summarized and discussed for the preparation of noble metal nanoparticles of different sizes, shapes and solubility. Among them the colloidal fluids are most fascinating. The formation of nanoparticles starts by the reduction of metal salt and continue with the agglomeration of metal atoms to embryos, subnanoparticles and to premature metal nanoparticles. The existence of the microenvironments in the colloidal systems gives nanoparticles unique reactivity towards various molecules and additives. A soft template can be applied to synthesize noble metal nanoparticles in different-shaped biomolecules-based nanoreactors, micelles and liposomes. The size and shape of nanoparticles follows reactant feed composition, reaction conditions, presence or absence of template and type and concentration of reactants.</p>