Synthesis and Characterization of functionalized Gold Nanorods for Drug Delivery Applications.

This project investigates the preparation and characterization of gold nanorods for potential use in targeted drug delivery applications, focusing on functionalization of nanorods with hydrophilic molecules or loaded with copper complexes with antitumoral activity. The primary objective of the project is to develop a robust methodology for the synthesis of gold nanorods and to assess their structural and functional properties when conjugated with bioactive agents. Specifically, functionalization techniques aim to enhance nanorods biocompatibility, stability, and targeted drug delivery capabilities, while the incorporation of copper-based antitumoral drugs is explored for its potential therapeutic efficacy. The structural and chemical characteristics of these gold nanorods conjugates are comprehensively analyzed, employing advanced spectroscopic techniques, with a focus on X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (XAFS), to gain insights into the molecular interactions and structural integrity critical for their application in nanomedicine. The thesis is structured into three chapters, beginning with an introduction to the properties, applications, and functionalization techniques for gold nanorods, followed by an overview of copper complexes as potent antitumoral agents. An in-depth exploration of the XAFS technique, including X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure (XANES) and Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (EXAFS), is presented alongside experimental setup details. The second chapter describes the instrumentation and materials used as well as the experimental methodologies for the preparation of various gold nanorods, with specific emphasis on functionalization using L-cysteine and conjugation with copper-based drugs. The results are shown in the third chapter and reveal the successful synthesis, characterization and functionalization of gold nanorods, demonstrated by multiple characterization techniques such as Uv-Visible Spectroscopy, electron microscopy techniques (TEM, SEM, EDX) and X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS). Furthermore, XAFS analysis provides detailed structural insights into both copper complexes and functionalized gold nanorods, highlighting the utility of XAFS in elucidating the structural characteristics essential for advancing nanomedicine applications.