Colorimetric detection of Hg using gold nanoparticles synthesized by Trichosporon montevideense WIN.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate a simple, cost-effective and eco-friendly method for colorimetric detection of Hg using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) synthesized by Trichosporon montevideense WIN.

RESULTS

Hg induced more visible blue shift of SPR band of the AuNPs than other heavy metal ions including Pb, Cd, Fe, Mn, Co and Cu. The λ of SPR band exhibited a gradual blue shift from 548 to 537 nm with concentration of Hg increasing (0-200 µM), and the absorbance ratio (A/A) showed a positive linear correlation with Hg concentration (R = 0.96). AuNPs synthesized at pH 6 showed more obvious blue shift than at pH 5 and pH 7. Through Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis, biomolecules coated on the AuNPs were speculated to dominate the formation of a core (Au)-shell (Hg) structure, which resulted in the colorimetric response.

CONCLUSION

A sensitive and selective approach to detect Hg using AuNPs synthesized by Trichosporon montevideense WIN is reported for the first time, which can provide a new potential candidate for detecting Hg in the future.