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Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are promising materials for biomedical applications [1, 2] due to their tunable surface properties [3] and extraordinary stability.[4] Additionally, the inert core material reduces the potential for toxicity issues arising from particle degradation.[5] The size regime and concomitant geometrical outcomes including high degree of curvature, however, generates the potential for toxicity.[6, 7] Generally, the toxicity of AuNPs depends on size, shape, the degree to which they aggregate, and their surface properties [8, 9] Recently, several studies on the short-term cytotoxicity of AuNPs [10] and quantum dots [11]

* rotello@ chem. umass. edu.