Interaction of (-)-epigallocatechin gallate with silver nanoparticles

Interactions between silver nanoparticles and (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) have been investigated. Prior to the addition of EGCG molecules the silver particles are stabilized by borate ions. Studies on the surface plasmon resonance band of silver particles suggest that the EGCG molecules remove the borate ions from the surface of the metal particles due to the chelating property of the ions. The complex formation by EGCG and borate ions has been confirmed by NMR studies and pH titration. A possible scheme of interaction between the two has been proposed.