Gold Nanoparticles And Their Uses
If they were put in the situation of choosing their favorite precious metal, most people would point to gold. It's hardly a surprise taken into consideration that buying the yellow metal has always been seen as a great money investment method due to its intrinsic value. In modern times though, gold has become something more than just a safe investment opportunity or exchange currency. For instance, latest developments have shown that gold can be used successfully for scientific purposes as well.
One illustration of such a special use is the 'gold nanoparticles', also called 'nanogold', 'colloidal gold' or 'gold nanoparticles'. These nanoparticles are sub-micrometer-sized particles of gold suspended in a liquid. There is nothing new here though as their existence has been known to people since ancient times. But it was only in the 1850s that colloidal gold nanoparticles have been given due attention within the scientific community. Their unique optical, electronic and molecular-recognition properties have stirred the interest of numerous researchers ever since. Due to these special properties, gold nanoparticles can be used in various areas among which nanotechnology, electron microscopy and electronics.
For a long tome, gold nanoparticles have been among the widely used contrast agents in biological electronic microscopy for they can be associated with many biological probes such as antibodies, lectins, superantigens, glycans, nucleic acids and receptors. Due to the fact that gold particles of different sizes can be easily distinguished in electron micrographs, simultaneous multiple labeling experiments can be conducted.
In the area of health and medical applications, gold nanoparticles have successfully been part of the treatment for some diseases. Rheumatoid arthritis was among the first of them. It has been discovered that gold particles implanted near the arthritic hip joints relieves pain and thus they have been included in the therapy. Another relevant example is that of some in vitro experiments made in hope of finding a cure for Alzheimer's disease. Thus, it has been proven that the beta-amyloid fibrils and plaque which are specific for this condition can by destroyed by the combination of microwave radiation and gold nanoparticles. Finally, gold nanoparticles leave hope even for cancer since they can be used to localize and treat the tumor. If gold nanoparticles are directed into the nuclei of cancer cells, they can prevent them from multiplying and also kill them.
It is obvious then that for the new world in which we live nowadays gold has become more than just merchandise. When we buy it, it is not just the security of our investments we have in mind, but that of our health as well. Science helped researchers to be able to explore the great latent potential of gold. Those who buy gold bullion rely professionals' valuable opinion, but when it comes to gold's benefits, we can now count on the advice from medical specialists as well.
Article Source: FxTradingStock.com
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In times of recession learn from professionals how to buy gold bullion.
by: Jack Wogan
Total views: 101
Word Count: 481
Date: Fri, 30 Jul 2010
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