Scientists working in nanotechnology have tended to build their nanostructures using carbon, which actually attaches itself to other substances more or less indiscriminately, whereas gold is much more reliable in that respect. JP Behrens of wealthdaily.com has described gold’s advantages:

‘Unlike carbon, gold doesn't attach to everything, but only to specific areas. It finds points to attach to, and limits where it settles. Once it chooses to settle, technicians can find the spots and attach materials to them with ease... This new precision allows nano-architects to use more meticulous actions in building newer materials faster.’