Preparation and antibacterial properties of gold nanoparticles: a review

The overuse of antibiotics has led to an increase in bacterial resistance and, in turn, to a decreasing efficiency of the rare available antibiotics. Alternatively, gold nanoparticles are promising antibacterials due to their high specific surface area, easy modification by functional groups and broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. Their antibacterial properties are closely related to particle size, dispersibility and surface modification, which can be tuned by adjusting reaction conditions. Here, we review the synthesis and antibacterial performance of gold nanoparticles in the raw form or modified with metal, organic compounds and carbon. We present the effect of reaction conditions on particle dispersibility and size. We compare the various synthesis methods. Antibacterial activities and their mechanisms are discussed.