Selective and Self-Guided Micro-Ablation of Tissue with Plasmonic Nanobubbles

Abstract

Background The accuracy, selectivity and safety of surgical and laser methods for tissue elimination are often limited at microscale. Materials and methods We developed a novel agent, the plasmonic nanobubble (PNB), for optically guided selective elimination of the target tissue with micrometer precision. PNBs were tested in vitro in the two different models of superficial tumors and vascular plaques. Results PNBs were selectively generated around gold nanoparticles (delivered to the target tissues) with short laser pulses. Monolayers of cancerous cells and atherosclerotic plaque tissue were eliminated with PNBs with micrometer accuracy and without thermal and mechanical damage to collateral normal tissues. The effect of the PNB was dynamically controlled through the fluence of laser pulses (532 nm, duration 0.5 and 10 ns) and was guided through the optical scattering by PNB. Conclusions plasmonic nanobubbles were shown to provide precise, tunable, selective and guided ablation of tissue at a microcscopic level and could be employed as a new generation of surgical tools.

Tunable Nanostructures as Photothermal Theranostic Agents

“…PTBs are transient photothermal vapor bubbles generated by various absorbing nanostructures including the AuNPs that combine high optical brightness with local mechanical impact. 42,43,[56][57][58][59][60]82,92,108,109 The use of PTBs addresses the in vivo imaging limitations presented by low scattering from NPs due to background signals.…”

“…The theranostic effect is the result of surface plasmon oscillations and electronic transitions between states which produce thermal energy via lightto-heat conversions, and in some cases the result of mechanical action. 21,42,43,58,108 These processes are triggered by the irradiation of the photothermal agents which exhibit enhanced optical absorption properties in the visible and near-infrared (NIR) region. Furthermore, these optical properties are tunable which allows for the targeting of the transparency window, a region where NIR light is transmitted through biological tissue with relatively low scattering and minimal heating, since it is above the absorption of biological molecules like hemoglobin and below the absorption of water.…”

The Combination of Laser Therapy and Metal Nanoparticles in Cancer Treatment Originated From Epithelial Tissues: A Literature Review

“…73,74 Another investigated wavelength was in the visible light spectra: 420 nm up to 690 nm. 3,15,21,33,35,38,46,56,70 The appplication of this wavelength was mostly in generating nanobubbles 15,33,35,38,46 …”

Removing vascular obstructions: a challenge, yet an opportunity for interventional microdevices

“…On the other hand, there is a growing interest in micro/nanotechnologies for vascular applications, because they potentially permit to implement topical, non-invasive and effective therapies. In particular, both medical microrobots (Nelson et al 2010) and nanotools, primarily nanoparticles (Lukianova-Hleb et al 2011), are being investigated and developed in this framework.…”