Star-Shaped Gold Nanoparticles Synthesized

By modifying the synthesis protocol for gold nanorods, scientists at Rice University in Houston have produced gold particles 100 nm across with multiple tips that display multidirectional polarized scattering characteristics and a high dielectric sensitivity. Reported in the March 28 online issue of Nano Letters, the star-shaped nanoparticles may have applications in sensors and as microscopic labels in biological research. Courtesy of Jason H. Hafner. ©2006, American Chemical Society.