Gold nanorods (AuNRs) can be synthesised with different sizes but similar aspect ratios and therefore similar surface plasmon resonances (SPRs). Their strong optical absorbance governed by their SPRs facilitates their ability to be used as molecular-targeted contrast agents for photoacoustic (PA) imaging. The size of AuNRs has an effect on the PA conversion efficiency, melting threshold, and cytotoxicity, indicating that size can have a significant impact on overall biomedical efficacy. We investigated these factors for four different AuNRs (widths of 10, 25, 40 and 50 nm) all with SPRs of 815 AE 26 nm. A size-dependent linear relationship between fluence and PA amplitude was observed, along with particle melting. Reshaping was confirmed via transmission electron microscopy and spectrophotometry at a laser fluence of 11 AE 1.7 mJ cm À2 , 20 AE 2.2 mJ cm À2 , and 40 AE 2.6 mJ cm À2 . Cytotoxicity was tested on lung cancer cells (A549) via a colourimetric assay at a maximum concentration of 3 Â 10 10 NP ml À1 . Results demonstrate the 40 nm and 50 nm AuNRs produced the highest signal for equivalent particle numbers, but displayed the highest toxicity. Conversely, the 10 nm AuNRs were the most efficient photoacoustic converters, at equivalent total mass. This study demonstrates the importance of AuNR size and concentration on selection of AuNRs for their eventual clinical use.
Gold nanorods (AuNRs) have the potential to be used in photoacoustic (PA) imaging and plasmonic photothermal therapy (PPTT) due to their unique optical properties, biocompatibility, controlled synthesis, and tuneable surface plasmon resonances (SPRs). Conventionally, continuous-wave (CW) lasers are used in PPTT partly due to their small size and low cost. However, if pulsed-wave (PW) lasers could be used to destroy tissue then combined theranostic applications, such as PA-guided PPTT, would be possible using the same laser system and AuNRs. In this study, we present the effects of AuNR size on PA response, PW-PPTT efficacy, and PA imaging in a tissue-mimicking phantom, as a necessary step in the development of AuNRs towards clinical use. At equivalent NP/mL, the PA signal intensity scaled with AuNR size, indicating that overall mass has an effect on PA response, and reinforcing the importance of efficient tumour targeting. Under PW illumination, all AuNRs showed toxicity at a laser fluence below the maximum permissible exposure to skin, with a maximum of 80% cell-death exhibited by the smallest AuNRs, strengthening the feasibility of PW-PPTT. The theranostic potential of PW lasers combined with AuNRs has been demonstrated for application in the lung.
Plasmonic gold nanoparticles show potential for use in a range of cancer diagnostics and therapeutics, such as photoacoustic imaging (PAI) and plasmonic photothermal therapy (PPTT). Generally in PPTT, continuous wave (CW) lasers are used to destroy cancerous tissue. However, in order to add a diagnostic component through PAI, a pulsed wave (PW) laser is needed. If PPTT can be achieved using PW lasers then combined theranostic applications with the same laser system is possible. Additionally, AuNRs can be many different sizes but exhibit equivalent surface plasmon resonances, so the size may be significant in the efficacy of these modalities. We have demonstrated the potential for gold nanorods to be used for both PAI and PPTT. The Au10s displayed the highest photoacoustic signal amplitude and PPTT efficacy. A PW laser was shown to induce significant cell death to a lung cancer cell line with a fluence below the maximum permissible exposure, indicating the possibility for cancer theranostics with a PW laser. Index Terms-gold nanoparticles, photoacoustic imaging, photothermal therapy, pulsed laser, contrast agents
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