Facile synthesis of robust and biocompatible gold nanoparticles

Biocompatible and robust gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were prepared via a simple synthetic strategy employing dextran as a reducing agent and surface coating material. Cross-linking and amination of the surface-coated dextran significantly improved the colloidal stability of AuNPs and rendered the nanoparticles more amenable to bioconjugation.