Gold Nanoparticles Coated with a Thermosensitive Hyperbranched Polyelectrolyte: Towards Smart Temperature and pH Nanosensors

Abstract

Controlled phase changes: Thermosensitive Au nanoparticles with tunable lower critical solution temperature have been prepared by coating the nanoparticles with a thermo- and pH-responsive hyperbranched polyelectrolyte. The globular, polyfunctional structure of the hyperbranched polymers offer new options to control phase-transition temperatures of the nanoparticles (see aggregation equilibrium in diagram).