Egcg stabilized gold nanoparticles, therapies and sensing

Abstract

The invention provides stabilized, biocompatible gold nanoparticles that are stabilized with material from epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCg), which is a polyphenols- or flavanoids-rich plant material that can be obtained from green tea. The EGCg is an antioxidant reducing agent derived from green tea. The gold nanoparticles of the invention can be radioactive or non radioactive and are formed via a simple room temperature fabrication method. Therapy and sensing methods are conducted with nanoparticles of the invention.

1 . Gold nanoparticles stabilized with a material coating of epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCg). 
     
     
         2 . The gold nanoparticles of  claim 1 , wherein the gold nanoparticles comprise EGCG  198 AuNP. 
     
     
         3 . The gold nanoparticles of  claim 1 , consisting of EGCG  198 AuNP. 
     
     
         4 . A medical therapeutic formulation comprising the gold nanoparticles of  claim 3 . 
     
     
         5 . A method of therapy comprising introducing stabilized gold nanoparticles of  claim 3  into a human or animal subject and conducting gold nanoparticle enhanced therapy. 
     
     
         6 . The gold nanoparticles of  claim 3 , in an aqueous solution having a physiological pH. 
     
     
         7 . A method of sensing comprising introducing stabilized gold nanoparticles of  claim 3  into a human or animal subject and conducting gold nanoparticle enhanced imaging. 
     
     
         8 . A method of therapy comprising introducing stabilized gold nanoparticles of  claim 2  into a human or animal subject and conducting gold nanoparticle enhanced therapy.