Gold nanopartic1es were synthesized in a single procedure by gamma-irradiation using chitosan as a stabilizing agent. The influence of the main process parameters and synthesis factors ((GLA: glucosamine units) [GLA]/[Au(III)] ratio, effect of irradiation dose, dose rate effect) on the characteristic properties of gold nanoparticles solutions was studied. The results of UV-vis absorption spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy indicated that spherical well-dispersed gold nanoparticles ranging from 5 to 10 nm, depending on the [GLA]/[Au(III)] ratio, the irradiation dose and the dose rate.