Why is Thiol Oxidation Important in Nanotechnology?
Thiol groups are commonly used to bind molecules to the surfaces of nanoparticles, especially gold nanoparticles. The formation of disulfide bonds through thiol oxidation can significantly impact the stability, functionality, and reactivity of nanomaterials. For example, controlled thiol oxidation can be used to create robust self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on nanoparticles, enhancing their utility in biosensors, drug delivery systems, and catalysis.