Innovative Ways Gold Is Being Used in Tech

When thinking about gold, beautiful jewelry is likely to be the first thing that comes to mind; however, the precious metal is also being used in other exciting, innovative ways. For example, gold nanocages have potential applications in photothermal therapy, drug delivery, and as a contrast agent, which could spell significant steps forward in a range of sectors.

What Is a Gold Nanocage?

First created in 2022, gold nanocages are gold nanoparticles measuring 20–500 nm with porous walls and a hollow cubic structure. They’re synthesized by using chloroauric acid to react silver nanoparticles in boiling water. In the near future, they could be delivered to targeted areas of the body following a cancer diagnosis, to deliver drugs or photothermal therapy. Gold nanocages could also potentially be used as contrast enhancement agents and biosensors. In terms of the former, this may be in relation to multimodal MRI and CT imaging, while the latter could see gold nanocages deployed to detect biomarkers or as part of a plasmonic sensing process.

Assembly of Gold Nanospheres

The assembly of quantum nanophotonic systems (with plasmonic resonators) is vital for on-chip information processing and studies of single photon sources. Research by the Royal Society of Chemistry, in which gold nanospheres were precisely positioned within close proximity to quantum emitters, demonstrated potential future promise for the deployment of these emitters in plasmonic-based nanosensors and integrated nanophotonic devices.

Biotech Gold Extractors

In further developments, biotech gold extractors are now being used to extract precious metals, including gold, from old circuit boards, to be reused in new electronic devices. The metals are drawn out by microorganisms, which are both comparatively environmentally friendly methods of extraction and minimize the extraction of unwanted materials. A variety of microorganisms are used as part of this process, including the bacteria acidithiobacillus thiooxidans and acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, which can oxidize the sulfide minerals in gold ores, to release particles for further recovery. Forward-thinking gold mining companies such as Afrimex are excited about such exciting innovations and their potential future applications.

How Gold Is Being Used in Scientific Research

Scientists are researching ways gold can be used to create new technologies and materials. For example, gold may be able to replace metals like mercury – which contribute to pollution – in some applications. The precious metal can play a role in water purification processes, too, helping to remove contaminants such as trichloroethene. Ongoing scientific advances could even mean that, in the future, gold could be produced in a laboratory.

Afrimex Gold | Mining Support and Gold Trading Assistance in Ghana

Headquartered in Accra, Ghana, Afrimex is committed to providing the highest quality possible in the three areas in which it operates: gold mining, the buying and selling of gold, and the provision of mining support services. By harnessing the power of tried-and-tested methodologies and modern technology, the company’s mission is to offer enduring value to its stakeholders.

Afrimex specializes in supplying and renting GETs (ground engaging tools) that are designed to optimize its clients’ operations and enhance efficiency. It can also provide heavy-duty equipment spare parts to ensure the seamless continuance of its clients’ work. Afrimex operates and manages a portfolio of gold mines in some of West Africa’s most lucrative and remote regions and has a vision of a future global presence. When it comes to mining assistance services, the company is proud to be the “go-to” source for the provision of both capital assets and important resources, including personnel and logistical and training support.

As well as its other services, Afrimex offers adaptable supply chain management, which stands as a testament to its efficiency and reliability. Its responsive systems react quickly to market demands to ensure product delivery and availability without delays, while the company’s robust relationships with partners and vendors make for a smooth overall operation, from sourcing to distribution.

Afrimex’s operational framework is built on creating a client-centric operation. Regular feedback from clients and partners helps the company to refine its systems and processes, and its tailored solutions are designed to respond to each client’s unique needs.