1. To use the AuNSs as photothermal agents for modifying model catheter surfaces, we initially generated carboxylic acid-terminated AuNSs by chemisorption.
2. In previous studies, the self-assembly of thiol molecules has proven to be a simple and useful means of functionalizing metal nanoparticles.
3. In the present report, two types of carboxylateterminated organosulfur species were used to generate surfaces that were functionalized with carboxylic acid/carboxylate
groups: 16-MHDA and lipoic acid.
4. Such terminally function-alized adsorbates have often been utilized for engineering
interfaces involving proteins, nucleic acids, and other biomolecules because of the versatility of the COOH terminal group for covalent functionalization.
5. These molecules, with a polar terminal group, are capable of imparting solubility
in aqueous systems via electrostatic stabilization, rendering them desirable for the current study.
6 Moreover, the biocompatibility of lipoic acid makes it attractive for use in
biological systems.