Spherical and Anisotropic Gold Nanomaterials in Plasmonic Laser Phototherapy of Cancer

Abstract

Gold nanoparticles have shown great potential as in-vivo, optically-active, biospecific probes with highly controllable and tunable optical properties for simultaneous molecular imaging and phototherapy. The strong plasmon resonance has led to the development of a variety of nanoparticle-based cancer therapies we term Plasmonic Laser Phototherapy (PLP). Through the use of molecular specific bioagents, researchers have shown the potential for the selective treatment of cancer cells targeted with a variety of gold nanostructures. PLP has been shown through either hyperthermal therapy or localized photodisruption of cellular membranes. Both cancer therapy modes have been demonstrated across the visible and near-infrared regimes of the electromagnetic spectrum. In this chapter, we provide a review of current PLP methods. Included is a discussion of particle heating processes and we organize therapeutic results by laser pulse duration, which will affect the damage confinement during therapy.

Rational Design of Plasmonic Nanoparticles for Enhanced Cavitation and Cell Perforation

“…Interestingly, for the special case of AuNP (core-radius of 0 nm), the optimal morphology (diameter = 150 nm) yields a cavitation threshold 13% higher than optimal AuNS, which suggests that the extra tunability of AuNS is beneficial to near-field mediated cavitation processes. The diameter of optimal AuNP is in agreement with previous reports …”

Plasmonic phototherapy using gold nanospheres and gold nanorods irradiated with light-emitting diodes

“…[10][11][12] When irradiated with focused laser pulses of suitable wavelength, targeted gold nanospheres (GNSs), gold nanorods (GNRs), nanoshells, and nanocages can kill cancer cells. 5,[13][14][15] In vitro reports on the utility of GNSs and GNRs for PPTT applications are available; however, several areas still need to be studied. 5,[13][14][15] In vitro reports on the utility of GNSs and GNRs for PPTT applications are available; however, several areas still need to be studied.…”

“…5,[13][14][15] In vitro reports on the utility of GNSs and GNRs for PPTT applications are available; however, several areas still need to be studied. 15 In biological applications, the nanoparticles with visible (500 to 600 nm) and NIR (630 to 1000 nm) absorption are harmless to cells and tissues, and NIR wavelength is more appreciable. 14 Light within the near-IR (NIR) spectral region has been shown to penetrate tissue at a depth beyond 1 cm, with no observable damage to the intervening tissue.…”

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“…After the perusal of about 12500 articles, the major biomedical applications of GNPs are confined to the areas like, targeted drug delivery [78][79][80] , anticancer therapy [81][82][83][84][85][86][87][88] , contrast agent in medical imaging [89][90] , molecular imaging in living cells 91 , anti-microbial activities [91][92][93][94][95][96] , antibacterial activities 97 , antiviral treatments [98][99] , biosensors & intracellular analysis 100 , photothermal therapy [101][102] , hyperthermic effects to treat tumors [103][104][105] , biocatalysts 106 and biomarkers.…”