COLLOIDAL GOLD Meaning and
Definition
-
Colloidal gold refers to a suspension of tiny gold particles in a liquid medium, typically water. The particles of gold in colloidal gold solutions are extremely small, usually ranging from 1-100 nanometers in diameter. These nanoparticles exhibit unique optical properties, such as a distinctive red color when dispersed in water.
Colloidal gold is produced through a process called reduction, where gold ions are reduced to gold atoms or clusters. The reduction can be accomplished using various methods, including chemical reduction, electrochemical reduction, or by using natural substances as reducing agents.
Colloidal gold has been extensively studied and utilized in various fields due to its remarkable properties. Its distinctive color and stability make it suitable for applications in nanotechnology, biomedical research, and diagnostics. In the field of medicine, colloidal gold nanoparticles can be used as contrast agents during medical imaging procedures or as carriers for drug delivery systems. Additionally, their unique ability to interact with biomolecules allows for their use in diagnostic tests, such as lateral flow assays and immunoassays.
The stability and optical properties of colloidal gold are influenced by factors such as size, shape, and surface chemistry of the gold nanoparticles. These characteristics can be tailored during the synthesis process to achieve specific properties for different applications.
Overall, colloidal gold refers to a suspension of small gold particles in a liquid, possessing distinctive color and unique properties that find applications in various scientific and technological fields.
Common Misspellings for COLLOIDAL GOLD
- xolloidal gold
- volloidal gold
- folloidal gold
- dolloidal gold
- cilloidal gold
- cklloidal gold
- cllloidal gold
- cplloidal gold
- c0lloidal gold
- c9lloidal gold
- cokloidal gold
- coploidal gold
- cooloidal gold
- colkoidal gold
- colpoidal gold
- colooidal gold
- colliidal gold
- collkidal gold
- colllidal gold
- collpidal gold
Etymology of COLLOIDAL GOLD
The word "colloidal gold" originates from the combination of two distinct terms: "colloidal" and "gold".
1. Colloidal: The term "colloidal" is derived from the Greek word "kolla", which means glue. It was coined by Thomas Graham, a Scottish chemist, in the mid-19th century. Graham observed that certain substances formed stable, fine particles when dispersed in a liquid medium, resembling glue or jelly. These dispersed particles could be suspended in the liquid without settling, defining the concept of "colloids". Today, colloidal refers to particles at the nanometer scale that remain dispersed in a medium, creating a stable suspension.
2. Gold: The term "gold" comes from the Old English word "geolu", which evolved into "gold" in Middle English. It has Indo-European roots and is associated with bright, shining or yellow characteristics.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
