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Full-Text Articles in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology

Gold Nanorod-Mediated Photothermolysis Induces Apoptosis Of Macrophages Via Damage Of Mitochondria, Ling Tong, Ji-Xin Cheng Apr 2009

Gold Nanorod-Mediated Photothermolysis Induces Apoptosis Of Macrophages Via Damage Of Mitochondria, Ling Tong, Ji-Xin Cheng

Other Nanotechnology Publications

Aims: Induction of apoptosis or necrosis in activated macrophages by gold nanorod-mediated photothermolysis is demonstrated and the mechanisms underlying the processes are investigated. Materials & methods: Gold nanorods were functionalized with cysteine-octaarginine peptides (R8-NRs). Uptake of R8-NRs by activated macrophages was monitored by two-photon luminescence imaging. The laser irradiation conditions were controlled to induce apoptosis or necrosis to R8-NR-internalized macrophages. Mitochondrial damage and reactive oxygen species overproduction during photothermolysis was investigated by confocal fluorescence microscopy and transmission-electron microscopy. Results: Activated macrophages efficiently uptake R8-NRs both in vitro and in live animals. Laser irradiation of internalized nanorods with controlled power density …


Gold Nanorods As Contrast Agents For Biological Imaging: Optical Properties, Surface Conjugation And Photothermal Effects, Ling Tong, Qingshan Wei, Alexander Wei, Ji-Xin Cheng Jan 2009

Gold Nanorods As Contrast Agents For Biological Imaging: Optical Properties, Surface Conjugation And Photothermal Effects, Ling Tong, Qingshan Wei, Alexander Wei, Ji-Xin Cheng

Other Nanotechnology Publications

Gold nanorods (NRs) have plasmon-resonant absorption and scattering in the near-infrared (NIR) region, making them attractive probes for in vitro and in vivo imaging. In the cellular environment, NRs can provide scattering contrast for darkfield microscopy, or emit a strong two-photon luminescence due to plasmon-enhanced two-photon absorption. NRs have also been employed in biomedical imaging modalities such as optical coherence tomography or photoacoustic tomography. Careful control over surface chemistry enhances the capacity of NRs as biological imaging agents by enabling cell-specific targeting, and by increasing their dispersion stability and circulation lifetimes. NRs can also efficiently convert optical energy into heat, …