CYCLODEXTRIN-STABILIZED METAL NANOPARTICLES: SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION

A simple and novel method of synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles from their salt solutions by amino acid reduction in the presence of beta-Cyclodextrin as capping and stabilizing agent has been successfully carried out. Characterization is done by UV spectroscopy and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Micrograph (HRTEM) imaging. The size of the nanomaterials is found to lie in the range 5 - 100 nm. The aqueous solutions of metal nanomaterials are stable for months, indicating the encapsulation of them in the nanocavity of beta-Cyclodextrin. This report is new and novel as it is a combination of nanoscience with Supramolecular Chemistry. Cyclodextrin-capped metal nanoparticles will exhibit selectivity in properties derived from host-guest phenomena on their surfaces and are novel nanocatalysts for catalytic organic reactions in aqueous solution. Cyclodextrins are found to be very er effective and eco-friendly alternatives to surfactants and polymer matrices as stabilizers.