Modern Applications of Plasmonic Nanoparticles: From Energy to Health

Abstract

PROGRESS REPORTdisciplines. Besides energy applications, plasmonic nanoparticles have also garnered extraordinary interest in biomedical research. An important example here is the demonstration that the strong photothermal response of plasmonic nanoparticles renders them potential cancer cell and tumor killers. Plasmonic photothermal therapy may thus provide a breakthrough in medicine with large-scale benefi ts for global health.In this progress report, we highlight several relevant applications of plasmonics in the areas of energy and health, two distinct fi elds that, even if they seem unrelated, can profi t from the same phenomenon: LSPR translated into energy harvesting and heat generation. Plasmon-enhanced solar-energy harvesting, solar steam nanobubble generation, plasmonic-enabled photothermal therapy, and light-controlled drug release are discussed, in the context of their emerging technological interest and, therefore, their benefi ts for society.

Optical Properties of Hybrid Organic‐Inorganic Materials and their Applications

“…[382][383][384][385][386][387][388][389][390][391][392][393][394][395][396][397][398] Association of plasmonic nanostructure with organic entities, in particular molecules with optical properties, has been intensively investigated for several purposes, such as stabilization of the metal nanostructures or metal-to-dyes interactions. Indeed, the specific optical response of such metallic nanostructure gives rise to unexpected interactions with optically active molecules.…”

Fluorescence enhancement in large-scale self-assembled gold nanoparticle double arrays

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7] These particles are usually considered as a nanoantenna that enhances luminescence, fluorescence, and Raman scattering signals. [2][3][4][7][8][9][10][11] Fluorescence labelling, sensing, and imaging are popular techniques with applications in chemistry and biology.…”

Dispositivos de cristal líquido dopados con nanopartículas = Nanoparticle-doped liquid crystal devices

“…Además, se pueden funcionalizar (añadiendo a la superficie de la NP parte de otro compuesto como, por ejemplo, cadenas de ADN o polímeros), alterando nuevamente sus propiedades y abriendo otras muchas posibilidades de utilización tanto en biología [28,29] como en medicina [30]. El estudio con NPs metálicas también tiene un pilar muy fuerte en la investigación de células solares, pues se ha podido comprobar que la eficiencia de estos dispositivos aumenta gracias a la acción de los plasmones superficiales y a sus propiedades eléctricas [31][32][33][34]. Por otro lado, las NPs metálicas, al ser conductoras de la electricidad, pueden suponer un avance en el desarrollo de la nanoelectrónica, lo que conlleva un salto importante en la fabricación de dispositivos para ordenadores, memorias, etc.…”