Encapsulation and growth of gold nanoparticles in thermoresponsive microgels

Gold nanoparticles are encapsulated within thermoresponsive pNIPAM migrogels through an easy two-step protocol. The core/shell structure of the composite is characterized by TEM, AFM, PCS, and UV-vis spectroscopy. The restricted environment and the high porosity of the microgel shell are studied through the overgrowth of the gold core.