Photothermal enhancement of chemotherapy in breast cancer by visible irradiation of Gold Nanoparticles

Abstract

Photothermal Therapy (PTT) impact in cancer therapy has been increasing due to the enhanced photothermal capabilities of a new generation of nanoscale photothermal agents. Among these nanoscale agents, gold nanoshells and nanorods have demonstrated optimal properties for translation of near infra-red radiation into heat at the site of interest. However, smaller spherical gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are easier to produce, less toxic and show improved photoconversion capability that may profit from the irradiation in the visible via standard surgical green lasers. Here we show the efficient light-to-heat conversion of spherical 14 nm AuNPs irradiated in the visible region (at the surface plasmons resonance peak) and its application to selectively obliterate cancer cells. Using breast cancer as model, we show a synergistic interaction between heat (photoconversion at 530 nm) and cytotoxic action by doxorubicin with clear advantages to those of the individual therapy approaches.

Laser-driven structural transformations in dextran-graft-PNIPAM copolymer/Au nanoparticles hybrid nanosystem: the role of plasmon heating and attractive optical forces

“…On the other hand, recent works point to the high potential of the effect of light-induced plasmonic heating of metal NPs (Au NPs in particular) in hyperthermia treatment at the cellular level. [47][48][49][50] However, these materials also need appropriate delivery vehicle in order for their controlled release and targeted delivery. In this respect, PNIPAM has been proposed as the stimuli responsive carrier of the NPs.…”

Laser-Driven Aggregation in Dextran–Graft–PNIPAM/Silver Nanoparticles Hybrid Nanosystem: Plasmonic Effects

“…The particular attention should be paid to the metal NPs. On the one hand, the metal NPs have a high potential in the hyperthermia treatment at the cellular level [22][23][24][25] that is based on the effect of light-induced plasmonic heating of noble metal NPs (Ag NPs in particular). On the other hand, the Ag nanoparticles possess a remarkable biomedical application [26].…”

Preparation of Plasmonic Au-TiO2 Thin Films on a Transparent Polymer Substrate

“…In the last decades, there has been significant advances in both theoretical and experimental investigations of surface plasmons, which led to the development of new simulation methods to calculate the optical properties of nanoplasmonic systems [5,10,11], and has delivered a relevant number of important applications [12][13][14]. Among them, is the detection of biomolecules, either by plasmonic sensing [15][16][17][18][19][20][21], plasmon-enhanced fluorescence [22] or surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) [23][24][25], the enhancement of absorbed light in solar cells [26][27][28][29], biological imaging and phototherapy of tumors [30][31][32], as well as photocatalytic applications [33][34][35][36][37].…”