Hyperbranched Polymers Analogous to PAMAM Dendrimers for the Formation and Stabilization of Gold Nanoparticles

Hyperbranched polymers chemically analogous to PAMAM dendrimers and their gluconamide derivatives were synthesized, and their use for gold nanoparticle synthesis and stabilization is reported. This was achieved by a two-step process: complexation of metal ions within the polymers then chemical reduction. The effect of pH values, polymer concentration, and reduction conditions on the formation and the stabilization of nanoparticles has been evaluated. Furthermore, when compared to PAMAM dendrimers, these experiments clearly demonstrated the influence of the macromolecular architecture on the formation of the metal nanoparticles.