Interaction of (-)-epigallocatechin gallate with silver nanoparticles

TL;DR

This study investigates how (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) interacts with silver nanoparticles, revealing that EGCG chelates borate ions on the nanoparticle surface, affecting their stability and surface chemistry.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the molecular interaction mechanisms between EGCG and silver nanoparticles, including chelation and surface modification effects.

Findings

EGCG removes borate ions from silver nanoparticle surfaces

Complex formation between EGCG and borate confirmed by NMR and pH titration

Proposed interaction scheme explains surface chemistry changes

Abstract

Interactions between silver nanoparticles and (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) have been investigated. Prior to the addition of EGCG molecules the silver particles are stabilized by borate ions. Studies on the surface plasmon resonance band of silver particles suggest that the EGCG molecules remove the borate ions from the surface of the metal particles due to the chelating property of the ions. The complex formation by EGCG and borate ions has been confirmed by NMR studies and pH titration. A possible scheme of interaction between the two has been proposed.