Interaction of (−)-epigallocatechin gallate and silver colloid with bovine serum albumin

Abstract

The interaction between borate-ion-stabilized silver (Ag) nanoparticles and (–)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) has been investigated. The added EGCG molecules chelate with the borate ions to form a borate ester. This complex provides a better stability to the metal particles by formation of a cap around them. The spectral line profile of the surface plasmon resonance band of the metal particles has been used to probe the metal–molecule interactions. The withdrawal of electron density from the surface of the Ag particle by the phenolic group of EGCG molecule results in a red-shift of the surface plasmon resonance band of the particles in the sol. In this study we show that both borate-ester-capped Ag nanoparticles and the borate ester itself can be transported by blood plasma serum albumin.