Blue Light Synthesis of Bio-Organic Coated Gold and Silver Nanoparticles
A groundbreaking approach to nanoparticle synthesis leveraging blue light and biomolecules, offering unprecedented simplicity and biocompatibility for advanced materials science applications.
Patent Information
Innovation Field
Metal Salt Preparation
Silver nitrate or chloroauric acid solutions prepared at specific concentrations
Biomolecule Addition
Proteins, peptides, antibodies, aptamers, or oligonucleotides introduced as reducing agents
Blue Light Exposure
Solution exposed to blue light, initiating reduction and nanoparticle formation
NP Formation
Bio-organic coated gold or silver nanoparticles with enhanced functionality
Problem Addressed
Traditional Methods
Conventional nanoparticle synthesis relies on chemical reducing agents, high temperatures, and multi-step processes that are expensive and time-consuming.
  • Limited biocompatibility
  • Environmental concerns
  • Complex purification steps
Novel Approach
This invention introduces photoreduction using blue light and biomolecules for a streamlined approach to functionalized nanoparticle production.
  • Single-step process
  • Environmentally friendly
  • Enhanced biocompatibility
Key Objectives
Single-Step Synthesis
Develop a streamlined process to prepare bio-organic coated silver and gold nanoparticles without complex intermediate steps.
Blue Light Enhancement
Utilize blue light to accelerate and control the efficiency of nanoparticle formation through photoreduction.
Biomolecule Functionalization
Create nanoparticles with integrated biomolecule coatings for improved biocompatibility and application-specific properties.
Cost-Effective Scaling
Provide an economical alternative to conventional synthesis methods that can be scaled for industrial applications.
Process Details

2

Metal Salt Solution
60-300 μM AgNO₃ or HAuCl₄ in water with NaCl or buffer (pH 5-8)
2
Biomolecule Addition
50:1 (AgNO₃) or 300:1 (HAuCl₄) metal:biomolecule ratio
Blue Light Exposure
40W-200W for 2-60 hours inducing visible color change
Monitoring Formation
Color change (yellow for Ag, pink-purple for Au) and absorbance peaks
Confirming Functionality
ELISA verification of biomolecule retention on NP surfaces
Patent Claims
Process for preparing bio-organic coated AgNPs or AuNPs using blue light
The core process claim specifies preparing a 60-300 μM solution of AgNO₃ or HAuCl₄ in water with 0.1-300 mM NaCl or buffer (pH 5-8), adding biomolecules at specific molar ratios (50:1 for Ag, 300:1 for Au), and exposing to blue light (40W-200W) for 2-60 hours.
Biomolecule specifications
The claim covers various biomolecules including proteins (human full-length gelsolin, insulin), peptides (e.g., SEQ ID Nos. 4-8), antibodies, aptamers, and oligonucleotides that serve as both reducing and capping agents.
Monitoring and verification methods
The patent specifies monitoring formation via color change and absorbance spectroscopy (420 nm for AgNPs, 550 nm for AuNPs), with ELISA confirmation of biomolecule retention on NP surfaces.
Technical Mechanism
Photon Absorption
Blue light (450-495 nm wavelength) provides energy to the reaction system, exciting electrons in the biomolecules.
Electron Transfer
Excited biomolecules donate electrons to metal ions (Ag⁺ or Au³⁺), facilitating their reduction to elemental form.
Nucleation
Reduced metal atoms cluster together, forming initial nucleation sites for nanoparticle growth.
Stabilization
Biomolecules attach to the growing nanoparticle surface, preventing aggregation and providing functional coating.
Key Innovations
Eco-Friendly Synthesis
First documented use of blue light with biomolecules for nanoparticle synthesis, eliminating harsh chemical reducing agents and creating a greener manufacturing process.
Process Efficiency
Single-step approach significantly reduces production time, complexity, and cost compared to conventional multi-step methods requiring precise temperature control and purification.
Functional Preservation
Biomolecules maintain their activity when bound to nanoparticle surfaces, as demonstrated by gelsolin's retained aptamer-binding capability after incorporation into the nanostructure.
Application Versatility
The resulting nanoparticles offer superior biocompatibility and application-specific functionality for biosensing, imaging, drug delivery, and therapeutic applications.
Comparison with Prior Art

1

1
Lorenzo Berti (2005)
Used DNA templates for silver deposition with UV light, which differs from this patent's blue light approach and broader biomolecule utilization.

2

2
Vinicius Cardoso (2014)
Developed collagen-based silver nanoparticles using traditional chemical reduction methods rather than photoreduction.

Matthew Eby (2009)
Created lysozyme-catalyzed silver nanoparticles through an enzyme-specific approach without light involvement.

Current Patent
Pioneered blue light photoreduction with diverse biomolecules for functionalized gold and silver nanoparticle synthesis in a single step.
Patent Status
Priority Date
March 30, 2015
Initial filing in India (870/DEL/2015)
PCT Filing
March 30, 2016
International application PCT/IN2016/050097
U.S. Filing
September 26, 2017
U.S. application 15/561,625
Grant Date
August 6, 2019
Patent US 10,369,626 B2 issued
Expiration
March 30, 2036
Based on 20-year term from PCT filing
Future Applications
Targeted Drug Delivery
Functionalized nanoparticles can transport therapeutic agents directly to disease sites, reducing systemic side effects and improving treatment efficacy.
Advanced Biosensing
Bio-organic coated nanoparticles offer enhanced sensitivity and specificity for detecting biomarkers, pathogens, and environmental contaminants at ultralow concentrations.
Biomedical Imaging
The unique optical properties of these nanoparticles make them excellent contrast agents for various imaging modalities, enabling visualization of biological processes.
Sustainable Manufacturing
The eco-friendly synthesis approach aligns with green chemistry principles, potentially revolutionizing industrial nanoparticle production with reduced environmental impact.