Encased Gold Nanoparticle Synthesis as a Probe for Oleuropein Self-Assembled Structure Formation

Stable oleuropein-coated gold nanoparticles in aqueous media were synthesized for the first time. Oleuropein (OLE) concentration in the reaction medium was found to greatly influence the outcome and stability of the resulting nanocolloid, with a marked decrease in particle size being found for the more concentrated oleuropein solutions. The protection mechanisms involved in the stabilized nanosystems were analyzed. Oleuropein self-assembled structures were found to be formed at a concentration threshold of [OLE] > 5 x 10(-5) M, and observed through the use of CryoSEM imaging. Those structures were responsible for both the increased stability and the decrease in size observed at the more concentrated solutions.

Automated summary

Stable oleuropein-coated gold nanoparticles were synthesized in aqueous media for the first time. The concentration of oleuropein in the reaction medium was found to significantly impact the outcome and stability of the resulting nanocolloid, with smaller particle sizes observed in more concentrated solutions. Self-assembled structures of oleuropein were identified at a specific concentration threshold, contributing to both increased stability and reduced particle size in concentrated solutions.