One-step synthesis of dendritic gold nanoflowers with high surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) properties

A facile method to synthesize flower-like gold nanostructures showing multiple tips with dendritic structures is developed through a one-step reduction of HAuCl4 with dopamine at room temperature. The gold nanoflowers clearly increase the surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) effect, demonstrate promising biocompatibility, and could be internalized by cancer cells, indicating their potential for biomedical applications.