Near Infrared Light-Powered Janus Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticle Motors

Abstract

We describe fuel-free, near-infrared (NIR)-driven Janus mesoporous silica nanoparticle motors (JMSNMs) with diameters of 50, 80, and 120 nm. The Janus structure of the JMSNMs is generated by vacuum sputtering of a 10 nm Au layer on one side of the MSNMs. Upon exposure to an NIR laser, a localized photothermal effect on the Au half-shells results in the formation of thermal gradients across the JMSNMs; thus, the generated self-thermophoresis can actively drive the nanomotors to move at an ultrafast speed, for instance, up to 950 body lengths/s for 50 nm JMSNMs under an NIR laser power of 70.3 W/cm(2). The reversible "on/off" motion of the JMSNMs and their directed movement along the light gradient can be conveniently modulated by a remote NIR laser. Moreover, dynamic light scattering measurements are performed to investigate the coexisting translational and rotational motion of the JMSNMs in the presence of both self-thermophoretic forces and strong Brownian forces. These NIR-powered nanomotors demonstrate a novel strategy for overcoming the necessity of chemical fuels and exhibit a significant improvement in the maneuverability of nanomotors while providing potential cargo transportation in a biofriendly manner.

Magnetic Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Cloaked by Red Blood Cell Membranes: Applications in Cancer Therapy

“…To prepare this nanocarrier, the RBC membranes were freshly harvested and physically extruded into vesicles by using ap revious method (Supporting Information, Figure S1). [41] Themesoporous pore structure of MSNs was visually characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and displayed an payload property to delivery guest molecules ( Figure 1B). [41] Themesoporous pore structure of MSNs was visually characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and displayed an payload property to delivery guest molecules ( Figure 1B).…”

Biodegradable Hybrid Stomatocyte Nanomotors for Drug Delivery

“…1−9 Until now, many examples of different types of motors (micro- and nanotubes, 10−12 wires, 13,14 helices, 15,16 rods, 17−19 Janus motors 20−23 and self-assembled polymeric motors 24−28 ) have been developed. These artificial motors are capable of converting chemical or external energy into autonomous movement and possess various potential applications such as environmental remediation, sensing, and drug delivery.…”

Chemical/Light‐Powered Hybrid Micromotors with “On‐the‐Fly” Optical Brakes

“…[4] Light is an extremely attractive stimulus for controlling the motion of synthetic nanomotors for numerous reasons.F irst, light is ar emote non-invasive external trigger and could easily modulate chemical processes upon interaction with photo-responsive materials.Inaddition, different light intensities and wavelengths open the door to am ultitude of materials,d esigns,a nd media. [6] However, slowing and halting the motion of chemically powered motors using light as stimulus has been very challenging. [6] However, slowing and halting the motion of chemically powered motors using light as stimulus has been very challenging.…”