Triphase interface synthesis of plasmonic gold bellflowers as near-infrared light mediated acoustic and thermal theranostics

J Am Chem Soc. 2014 Jun 11;136(23):8307-13. doi: 10.1021/ja503115n. Epub 2014 Jun 2.

Abstract

We present a novel gold bellflower (GBF) platform with multiple-branched petals, prepared by a liquid-liquid-gas triphase interface system, for photoacoustic imaging (PAI)-guided photothermal therapy (PTT). Upon near-infrared (NIR) laser irradiation, the GBFs, with strong NIR absorption, showed very strong PA response and an ultrahigh photothermal conversion efficiency (η, ∼74%) among the reported photothermal conversion agents. The excellent performance in PAI and PTT is mainly attributed to the unique features of the GBFs: (i) multiple-branched petals with an enhanced local electromagnetic field, (ii) long narrow gaps between adjacent petals that induce a strong plasmonic coupling effect, and (iii) a bell-shaped nanostructure that can effectively amplify the acoustic signals during the acoustic propagation. Besides the notable PTT and an excellent PAI effect, the NIR-absorbing GBFs may also find applications in NIR light-triggered drug delivery, catalysis, surface enhanced Raman scattering, stealth, antireflection, IR sensors, telecommunications, and the like.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CHO Cells
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Cricetulus
  • Diagnostic Imaging / methods*
  • Female
  • Gold / chemistry*
  • Gold / therapeutic use
  • Gold / toxicity
  • Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental / pathology
  • Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental / therapy
  • Metal Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Metal Nanoparticles / therapeutic use
  • Metal Nanoparticles / toxicity
  • Mice, Nude
  • Particle Size
  • Phase Transition
  • Photoacoustic Techniques / methods*
  • Phototherapy / methods*
  • Spectroscopy, Near-Infrared
  • Surface Plasmon Resonance
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Gold