Gold particles and uses thereof

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A method for localized thermal ablation of adipose tissue in a subject, comprising:

• locally administering a solution comprising a plurality of nanoshells that absorb light at near infrared (NIR) wavelengths by subcutaneous injection of the solution into one or more locations within a target adipose tissue of the subject, thereby delivering the nanoshells immediately adjacent to the point of administration within the target adipose tissue, wherein the solution comprises the plurality of nanoshells at a concentration between 1.0×109 and 1.0×1011 particles per mL, wherein the nanoshells comprise an overall diameter of between 150-170 nm, a gold outer shell of between 15 and 25 nm thickness that converts absorbed NIR light into heat via surface plasmon resonance, and a silicon dielectric core;
• and
• delivering NIR light across an area of skin overlying the target adipose tissue to induce surface plasmon resonance from the injected nanoshells, thereby causing localized thermal ablation within the target adipose tissue, wherein the localized thermal ablation is melting of fat within the target adipose tissue, wherein the method does not comprise aspirating liquid having subcutaneous tissue and/or liquefied fat from the target adipose tissue after the subcutaneous injection of the nanoshells and the delivery of NIR light.

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