Biogenic gold nano-triangles: Cargos for anticancer drug delivery

Wavelength-Dependent Optical Nonlinear Absorption of Au-Ag Nanoparticles

The nonlinear optical absorption properties of Au-Ag nanoparticles (NPs) were studied using an open-aperture Z-scan under a nanosecond pulsed laser with wavelengths of 450 nm, 510 nm, 550 nm, and 600 nm. The experimental results demonstrated that, when the laser intensity was 1.04 × 1013 W/m2, the Au-Ag NPs showed saturated absorption (SA). When the laser intensity was increased to 3.03 × 1013 W/m2, the switch from SA to reverse saturation absorption (RSA) occurred. The nonlinear absorption and its transformation were analyzed by using local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect, bleaching of ground state plasmon, and free carrier absorption theory.

Facile synthesis of anisotropic gold nanoparticles and its synergistic effect on breast cancer cell lines

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) possess colourful light-scattering properties due to different composition, size and shape. Their unique physical, optical and chemical properties coupled with advantages, have increased the scope of anisotropic AuNPs in various fields. This study reports a green methodology developed for the synthesis of anisotropic AuNPs. The aqueous extracts of Alternanthera sessilis (PGK), Portulaca oleracea (PAK) and Sterculia foetida (SF) with gold ions produced violet, purple and pink coloured AuNPs, respectively, under sonication and room temperature methods revealing the formation of different shapes of AuNPs. The results of TEM analysis of AuNPs confirmed the formation of triangular plate AuNPs of the size 35 nm for PAK extract. Spherical-shaped AuNPs (10-20 nm) were obtained using an extract of PGK. SF extract produced rod, hexagon, pentagon-shaped AuNPs and nanorice gold particles. The cell viability studies of the PGK, PAK and SF-mediated AuNPs on MCF-7 cell lines by MTT assay revealed the cytotoxic activity of AuNPs to depend on the size, shape and the nature of capping agents. The synthesised AuNPs significantly inhibited the growth of cancer cells (MCF-7) in a concentration-dependent manner. The size and shape of these anisotropic AuNPs also reveal its potency to be used as sensors, catalysis, photothermal and therapeutic agents.

Nanoparticle Drones to Target Lung Cancer with Radiosensitizers and Cannabinoids

Nanotechnology has opened up a new, previously unimaginable world in cancer diagnosis and therapy, leading to the emergence of cancer nanomedicine and nanoparticle-aided radiotherapy. Smart nanomaterials (nanoparticle drones) can now be constructed with capability to precisely target cancer cells and be remotely activated with radiation to emit micrometer-range missile-like electrons to destroy the tumor cells. These nanoparticle drones can also be programmed to deliver therapeutic payloads to tumor sites to achieve optimal therapeutic efficacy. In this article, we examine the state-of-the-art and potential of nanoparticle drones in targeting lung cancer. Inhalation (INH) (air) versus traditional intravenous (“sea”) routes of navigating physiological barriers using such drones is assessed. Results and analysis suggest that INH route may offer more promise for targeting tumor cells with radiosensitizers and cannabinoids from the perspective of maximizing damage to lung tumors cells while minimizing any collateral damage or side effects.