PowerPoint Presentation

Medical Applications in Nanotechnology

Nano Gold Sensors Lab

Updated September 20111

Image by HighPoint LearningUpdated September 20112Nanoparticles of gold appear red in a colloid.The nanometer-size gold clumps together in the presence of salt ions.These larger clumps reflect back different colors: from red to purple, blue or clear. We can use this new property of gold nanoparticles as a sensor for electrolytes in sports drinks.

Image by HighPoint LearningUpdated September 201135 Beakers have been prepared with several types of clear sports drinks. You will use the Nano Gold Colloid to determine which sample has the most electrolyte content.

Image by HighPoint LearningUpdated September 20114You will measure a specific amount of the Nano Gold Colloid into six test tubes.One will only be used as a reference (or control)

Image by HighPoint LearningUpdated September 20115Label each tube with the letter of the solution that you will be testing. Label the sixth tube controlPictured are the five tubes and the small reference tube.

Image by HighPoint LearningUpdated September 20116Fold a sheet of paper to stand behind your test tubes stand so you can best determine the color differences.

Image by HighPoint LearningUpdated September 20117You will add drops of each sports drink to the test tube containing Nano Gold Colloid.You will use the reference tube to compare the original color to the new color.

Image by HighPoint LearningUpdated September 20118You will determine the rank of highest to lowest electrolyte content by observing the level of color change.

This module is one of a series designed to introduce faculty and high school students to the basic concepts of nanotechnology. Each module includes a PowerPoint presentation, discussion questions, and hands-on activities, when applicable.The series was funded in part by:The National Science FoundationGrant DUE-0702976and the Oklahoma Nanotechnology Education InitiativeAny opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in the material are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation or the Oklahoma Nanotechnology Education Initiative.

Updated September 2011References

NanoGold Sensors Activity (2008). Exploring the Nano World. Retrieved from http://mrsec.wisc.edu/Edetc/EExpo/sensors/index.html

Scientific American Editors. Understanding Nanotechnology (2002). [Kindle Edition]. Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com

Updated September 2011