Plasmonics-active metal nanostar compositions and methods of use
AssigneeDuke University
InventorsTuan Vo-Dinh, Hsiangkuo Yuan, Andrew Fales
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Abstract
Plasmonics-active metal nanostars are provided that can be used for treating and detecting cells in a subject. The modes of treatment include a photo-activated drug, which is activated by the photo-response of the nanostar to electromagnetic stimulation; a thermally-activated drug, which is activated by a thermal response of the nanostar to electromagnetic stimulation; and the thermal response of the nanostar itself to electromagnetic stimulation, which may directly or indirectly cause the death of an undesirable cell. Uptake of nanostars by undesirable cells may also aid in detection, by enhancing contrast or otherwise transforming electromagnetic stimulation during imaging.
Claims14
A method for preparing plasmonics-active gold nanostars, the method comprising:
- adding citrate stabilized gold seeds to a solution of tetrachloroauric acid (HAuCl4) under acidic conditions;
- and
- mixing a silver salt compound and a weak reducing agent simultaneously into the HAuCl4/gold seed solution under conditions such that the plasmonics-active gold nanostars are produced, wherein growth of the gold nanostars is completed in about 30 seconds or less.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.