Polymer and biopolymer mediated self-assembly of gold nanoparticles

Abstract
Gold nanoparticle–polymer composites are versatile and diverse functional materials, with applications in optical, electronic and sensing devices. This tutorial review focuses on the use of polymers to control the assembly of gold nanoparticles. Examples of synthetic polymers and biopolymers are provided, as well as applications of the composite materials in sensing and memory devices.