Modulating the antibacterial activity of gold nanoparticles by balancing their monodispersity and aggregation.

Aggregation is a key factor influencing the function of nanoparticles. Thioproline-modified gold nanoparticles show potent antibacterial activity, which is compromised by thioproline-mediated particle aggregation. By tuning the balance between the exposure and shielding of thioproline, a maximal antibacterial property of the gold nanoparticles is achieved.