Product Description
The BioDeviceLab 20 nm Gold NanoUrchins are precision-synthesized anisotropic gold nanostructures consisting of a nanoscale core surrounded by multiple sharp protrusions. This unique “urchin-like” morphology generates localized plasmonic hot spots and significantly increases effective surface area, resulting in stronger light–matter interactions compared to standard spherical gold nanoparticles of similar size.
At an effective diameter of approximately 20 nm, these nano-urchins exhibit a sensitive localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) response that is highly responsive to changes in the surrounding dielectric environment. This makes them particularly well suited for refractive index–based sensing, plasmonic transduction, and signal amplification in optical and electrochemical biosensors where smaller feature sizes and rapid response are advantageous.
The nanoparticles are supplied as a stable aqueous colloidal suspension with a characteristic deep red coloration, reflecting their plasmonic behavior. The large-volume (500 mL) format supports scalable assay development, probe conjugation, and repeated use in microfluidic, lab-on-chip, and biodevice validation studies.
Intended Use
This product is intended for research applications including:
• Plasmon-enhanced biosensor development
• Refractive index and LSPR-based sensing
• Optical and colorimetric assay amplification
• Surface-enhanced spectroscopic techniques
• Protein, antibody, and ligand conjugation
• Microfluidic and lab-on-chip integration
• Biodevice calibration and benchmarking
Principle of Operation
Gold NanoUrchins exhibit localized surface plasmon resonance driven by collective oscillation of conduction electrons across their branched geometry.
• Sharp nanoscale protrusions create localized electromagnetic hot spots.
• LSPR peak position and magnitude are highly sensitive to local refractive index changes.
• Biomolecular binding induces amplified plasmonic shifts relative to spherical nanoparticles.
• Increased surface area supports higher probe loading and interaction efficiency.
Optical & Physical Characteristics
Nanostructure type: Gold NanoUrchin
Effective diameter: ~20 nm
Plasmonic response: Broad visible-range LSPR (~520–580 nm, morphology dependent)
Particle concentration: ~1 × 10¹³ structures/mL
Weight concentration: ~0.5–1.0 mg/mL
Size dispersity: <20% (effective diameter)
Surface area: Enhanced relative to spherical AuNPs
Surface chemistry: Compatible with passive adsorption and covalent functionalization
Supplied volume: 500 mL
Selectivity & Compatibility
Gold NanoUrchins are chemically inert and compatible with proteins, nucleic acids, polymers, and common biological buffers. Their morphology enables efficient probe immobilization while maintaining colloidal stability in microfluidic and biodevice environments.
Package Contents
Each unit contains:
• 500 mL of 20 nm gold NanoUrchin colloidal suspension
• Optical and morphological quality control documentation
Required Materials (Not Provided)
• UV–Vis spectrophotometer
• Optional Raman spectrometer (for SERS workflows)
• Standard laboratory pipettes and containers
• Buffers compatible with downstream conjugation
Sample Handling & Use
• Gently swirl before use to ensure uniform dispersion.
• Avoid vigorous shaking or sonication that may disrupt branched morphology.
• Dilute using compatible aqueous buffers if required.
• Use clean laboratory practices to maintain colloidal integrity.
Quality Control
• Each production lot is evaluated for plasmonic response, optical consistency, and morphological uniformity.
• Batch-to-batch reproducibility supports reliable biosensor and assay development.
Storage & Stability
• Store at 4–25 °C.
• Do not freeze.
• Protect from prolonged exposure to light.
• Proper storage preserves optical performance and colloidal stability.
Limitations
• For research use only.
• Not intended for diagnostic or therapeutic applications.
• Optical response may vary depending on buffer composition and functionalization strategy.
Applications
• High-sensitivity plasmonic biosensors
• LSPR-based refractive index sensing
• Optical and colorimetric assays
• Surface-enhanced spectroscopic techniques
• Advanced biodevice and microfluidic systems
• Translational biosensing research
