Plasmonic Gold Nanostars for Multi-Modality Sensing and Diagnostics

Abstract

Gold nanostars (AuNSs) are unique systems that can provide a novel multifunctional nanoplatform for molecular sensing and diagnostics. The plasmonic absorption band of AuNSs can be tuned to the near infrared spectral range, often referred to as the “tissue optical window”, where light exhibits minimal absorption and deep penetration in tissue. AuNSs have been applied for detecting disease biomarkers and for biomedical imaging using multi-modality methods including surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), two-photon photoluminescence (TPL), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and X-ray computer tomography (CT) imaging. In this paper, we provide an overview of the recent development of plasmonic AuNSs in our laboratory for biomedical applications and highlight their potential for future translational medicine as a multifunctional nanoplatform.

Gold nanostars for efficient in vitro and in vivo real-time SERS detection and drug delivery via plasmonic-tunable Raman/FTIR imaging

“…13,37 Thus, gold nanostars are unique materials with an intense surface plasmon band that affords absorption in the near-infrared region. [21][22][23][24][25][26] with MTX-nanostars during 48 hours of incubation using the Perkin Elmer Spotlight 400 system for the FTIR and the LabRAM HR Evolution spectrometer for the SERS maps.…”

“…16 Gold nanostars, star-shaped gold nanoparticles, have exceptional optical properties. [17][18][19][20] They display two surface plasmon bands consistent to the transverse and longitudinal surface plasmon bands in the visible (520 nm) and the near-infrared regions, respectively 15 Thus, gold nanostars are special materials with an intense surface plasmon band that affords absorption, fluorescence [21][22][23] and light scattering 24,25 in the near-infrared region, inducing two-photon luminescence phenomena. 26 Hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) is a common material for gold nanostar synthesis.…”

Interactions of Gold Nanostars with Cells

“…Recent development and application of plasmonic gold nanostars fabricated in by research group led by Vo-Dinh for biomedical imaging has been recently reported [ 33 ]. The scientists demonstrated that LSPR signifi cantly increases TPACS to more than a million GM (Göeppert-Mayer) units.…”

“…GNS exhibit longer serum half-life than that of commercial intravascular contrast agents that undergo signifi cant signal decay in less then 30 min. Three hours following systemic injection of PEGylated GNS nanoparticles accumulated preferentially in the tumor than the surrounding area [ 33 ]. Moreover, GNS provide a unique nanoplatform for multimodal imaging, which can be used for combined whole-body scans with CT, MRI, or PET and high-resolution optical imaging with SERS and TPL [ 33 , 25 ].…”

“…Another promising application of GNS is brain tumor imaging [ 33 ]. GNS, as strong optical contrast agents with exceptionally high TPL signal, offer superior fl exibility to investigate how drug nanocarriers and contrast agents can be delivered into brain tumor [ 33 , 16 , 35 ].…”