Kinetic modeling of gold nanoparticle formation for radiation dose prediction

Abstract

Nanoparticles have numerous uses in the biomedical sciences, and this study focused on use of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) for measuring ionizing radiation dose. GNPs synthesized at various radiation doses were experimentally characterized and two mathematical models were developed to simulate the synthesis process. The first is based on the Finke-Watzky model and predicts the rate of soluble gold salt conversion to GNPs, and the second model is based on a population balance model and predicts nanoparticle concentration and size distribution. The model parameters that provided an optimal fit to experimentally gathered data were determined, and both models were able to capture the experimental absorbance time trends. The population balance model, however, had the greater predictive power as it was able to capture mean particle size trends that were consistent with experimental measurement.