Multibuilding Block Janus Synthesized by Seed‐Mediated Self‐Assembly for Enhanced Photothermal Effects and Colored Brownian Motion in an Optical Trap

Abstract

The asymmetrical features and unique properties of multibuilding block Janus nanostructures (JNSs) provide superior functions for biomedical applications. However, their production process is very challenging. This problem has hampered the progress of JNS research and the exploration of their applications. In this study, an asymmetrical multibuilding block gold/iron oxide JNS has been generated to enhance photothermal effects and display colored Brownian motion in an optical trap. JNS is formed by seed-mediated self-assembly of nanoparticle-loaded thermocleavable micelles, where the hydrophobic backbones of the polymer are disrupted at high temperatures, resulting in secondary self-assembly and structural rearrangement. The JNS significantly enhances photothermal effects compared to their homogeneous counterpart after near-infrared (NIR) light irradiation. The asymmetrical distribution of gold and iron oxide within JNS also generates uneven thermophoretic force to display active colored Brownian rotational motion in a single-beam gradient optical trap. These properties indicate that the asymmetrical JNS could be employed as a strong photothermal therapy mediator and a fuel-free nanoscale Janus motor under NIR light.

Mitigating SOX2-potentiated Immune Escape of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma with a STING-inducing Nanosatellite Vaccine

“…The iron oxide (IONP) core particles of the nanosatellites were synthesized by thermal decomposition as described (18). The core particles were coated by a diblock copolymer (PEO- b -γMPS), and added into Au 2 SNP (2 nm) solution.…”

Photo-Responsive Self-Assembly of Plasmonic Magnetic Janus Nanoparticles

“…61 The self-assembly of DNPs has been studied previously via the asymmetrical functionalization with hydrophobic and hydrophilic polymers, giving the DNP an amphiphilic character. 62,63 In this case, the formation of bilayer or monolayer vesicles was observed in aqueous solutions, and the vesicles demonstrated their potential multifunctionality as an in vivo dual imaging agent with photoacoustic and magnetic responses. In accordance to this, plasmonic vesicles have been synthesized in various ways and applied as a template for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy measurements or biosensing.…”

“…The gold core has high affinity toward thiols, while the magnetite core is selective toward electron-rich compounds such as carboxylates, phosphates, or silanes . The self-assembly of DNPs has been studied previously via the asymmetrical functionalization with hydrophobic and hydrophilic polymers, giving the DNP an amphiphilic character. , In this case, the formation of bilayer or monolayer vesicles was observed in aqueous solutions, and the vesicles demonstrated their potential multifunctionality as an in vivo dual imaging agent with photoacoustic and magnetic responses. In accordance to this, plasmonic vesicles have been synthesized in various ways and applied as a template for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy measurements or biosensing. − Jiang et al recently investigated the reversible self-assembly of DNPs by the selective functionalization of the Fe 3 O 4 cores with the pH response of 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid.…”

Janus Nanoparticles: From Fabrication to (Bio)Applications

“…The seed-mediated polymerization synthesis strategy also has been widely reported to produce polymeric JNPs. , For instance, Tanaka et al . synthesized “mushroom-like” polymeric JNPs by seed-mediated polymerization strategy .…”

“…The seed-mediated polymerization synthesis strategy also has been widely reported to produce polymeric JNPs. 75,132 For instance, Tanaka et al synthesized "mushroom-like" polymeric JNPs by seed-mediated polymerization strategy. 133 The preparation method included two steps: (1) preparation of reported a convenient method for the preparation of dumbbell-like PS/poly(butyl methacrylate) (PS/PBMA) JNPs using seed-mediated polymerization.…”