Molecular Plasmonics for Biology and Nanomedicine

Abstract

The optical excitation of surface plasmons in metal nanoparticles leads to nanoscale spatial confinement of electromagnetic fields. The confined electromagnetic fields can generate intense, localized thermal energy and large near-field optical forces. The interaction between these effects and nearby molecules has led to the emerging field known as molecular plasmonics. Recent advances in molecular plasmonics have enabled novel optical materials and devices with applications in biology and nanomedicine. In this article, we categorize three main types of interactions between molecules and surface plasmons: optical, thermal and mechanical. Within the scope of each type of interaction, we will review applications of molecular plasmonics in biology and nanomedicine. We include a wide range of applications that involve sensing, spectral analysis, imaging, delivery, manipulation and heating of molecules, biomolecules or cells using plasmonic effects. We also briefly describe the physical principles of molecular plasmonics and progress in the nanofabrication, surface functionalization and bioconjugation of metal nanoparticles.

Optical Properties of Hybrid Organic‐Inorganic Materials and their Applications

“…[382][383][384][385][386][387][388][389][390][391][392][393][394][395][396][397][398] Association of plasmonic nanostructure with organic entities, in particular molecules with optical properties, has been intensively investigated for several purposes, such as stabilization of the metal nanostructures or metal-to-dyes interactions. Indeed, the specific optical response of such metallic nanostructure gives rise to unexpected interactions with optically active molecules.…”

“…and thus a precise tuning of the SPR band from the visible to the NIR. [385,391,409,439] The surface state of the native nanostructures is depending on the synthesis route, and the particles are usually stabilized through the presence of an organic ligand or surfactants at their surface. The total or partial replacement of the stabilizing molecules can be achieved through ligand exchanges reactions with functional systems bearing thiol or thioctic acid pending groups.…”

All‐In‐One Optical Heater‐Thermometer Nanoplatform Operative From 300 to 2000 K Based on Er3+ Emission and Blackbody Radiation

“…[ 9 , 10 ] In particular, there is a growing interest in developing plasmonicinduced nanoheaters [ 11 ] for applications in nanomedicine. [12][13][14] An intriguing example is the nanoplasmonics-based optonanoporation upon near-IR laser illumination of the membrane of red blood cells followed by the controlled release of selected molecules. [ 15 ] Plasmonic structures as heat nanosources (socalled thermo-or molecular-plasmonics) exploit the small size and large optical cross-section of the metal nanostructure to induce large temperature variations within a small volume, but we presently lack a full understanding of the effects that such large temperature gradients may have on these systems.…”

Monolithic nanoporous gold disks with large surface area and high-density plasmonic hot-spots

“…[6], [7] The strong dependence on the composition, shape and size of metal nanostructures has been demonstrated for both SPR and LSPR strongly. [8] Therefore, controlling their composition, shape and size is essential for potential applications.…”