Figure 8.
Synthesis of GNPs. Schematic diagram of the synthesis of GNPs and functionalization with barbiturate. In order to conjugate the glucosamine to the GNP, the linker 12-Mercaptododecanoic acid (MDDA) was utilized. EDC and NHS were added in order to activate the carboxylic acids of the linker. One side of the MDDA chain (thiol) connects to the gold via semi-covalent bonding, while the other side, carboxylic acid, binds to the negatively charged oxygen of the barbiturate.