Stability and cytotoxicity of PEGylated Au NPs is crucial for biomedical application. In this study, we have focused on thermal stability of PEGylated Au NPs at 4 and 37 °C and after sterilization in autoclave. Gold nanoparticles were prepared by direct sputtering of gold into PEG and PEG-NH2. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that NPs exhibit a spherical shape with average dimensions 3.8 nm for both AuNP_PEG and AuNP_PEG-NH2. The single LSPR band at wavelength of 509 nm also confirmed presence of spherical Au NPs in both cases. Moreover, according to UV-Vis spectra, the Au NPs were overall stable during aging or thermal stressing and even after sterilization in autoclave. Based on gel electrophoresis results, the higher density of functionalizing ligands and the higher stability is assumed on AuNP_PEG-NH2. Changes in concentration of gold did not occur after thermal stress or with aging. pH values have to be adjusted to be suitable for bioapplications - original pH values are either too alkaline (AuNP_PEG-NH2, pH 10) or too acidic (AuNP_PEG, pH 5). Cytotoxicity was tested on human osteoblasts and fibroblasts. Overall, both Au NPs have shown good cytocompatibility either freshly prepared or even after Au NPs' sterilization in the autoclave. Prepared Au NP dispersions were also examined for their antiviral activity, however no significant effect was observed. We have synthesized highly stable, non-cytotoxic PEGylated Au NPs, which are ready for preclinical testing.

CENAB Faculty of Science J E Purkyne University 400 96 Usti nad Labem Czech Republic

Department of Physical Chemistry University of Chemistry and Technology Prague 166 28 Prague Czech Republic

Department of Solid State Engineering University of Chemistry and Technology Prague 166 28 Prague Czech Republic

Faculty of Health Studies Technical University of Liberec Liberec Czech Republic

Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Science 166 10 Prague Czech Republic

Institute of Pathological Physiology 1st Faculty of Medicine Charles University 128 53 Prague Czech Republic

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