Shape tunable plasmonic nanoparticles

摘要

Noble metal nanoparticles and methods of their use are provided. Certain aspects provided solid noble metal nanoparticles tuned to the near infrared. The disclosed nanoparticles can be used in molecular imaging, diagnosis, and treatment. Methods for imaging cells are also provided.

主权项

1. A method for killing cancer cells in a subject in need thereof, comprising:
a. administering to the subject one or more solid noble metal nanorods coupled to a binding moiety that specifically binds to a target substance expressed by cancer cells to a region of the subject, wherein the solid noble metal nanorods consist essentially of gold or silver metal having an aspect ratio of about 2.7 to about 10; and b. exposing the one or more solid noble metal nanorods to near infra-red light from a continuous wave laser at a density of at least 9 W/cm2 and less than 18 W/cm2; wherein the one or more solid noble metal nanorods absorbs the light and converts the absorbed light to heat, and wherein the heat kills the cancer cells.