Far- and near-field properties of gold nanoshells studied by photoacoustic and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopies

Optimizing the Activation Energy of Reactive Intermediates on Single-Atom Electrocatalysts: Challenges and Opportunities

Single-atom catalysts (SACs) have made great progress in recent years as potential catalysts for energy conversion and storage due to their unique properties, including maximum metal atoms utilization, high-quality activity, unique defined active sites, and sustained stability. Such advantages of single-atom catalysts significantly broaden their applications in various energy-conversion reactions. Given the extensive utilization of single-atom catalysts, methods and specific examples for improving the performance of single-atom catalysts in different reaction systems based on the Sabatier principle are highlighted and reactant binding energy volcano relationship curves are derived in non-homogeneous catalytic systems. The challenges and opportunities for single-atom catalysts in different reaction systems to improve their performance are also focused upon, including metal selection, coordination environments, and interaction with carriers. Finally, it is expected that this work may provide guidance for the design of high-performance single-atom catalysts in different reaction systems and thereby accelerate the rapid development of the targeted reaction.

Near-field enhancement of optical second harmonic generation in hybrid gold-lithium niobate nanostructures

Nanophotonics research has focused recently on the ability of nonlinear optical processes to mediate and transform optical signals in a myriad of novel devices, including optical modulators, transducers, color filters, photodetectors, photon sources, and ultrafast optical switches. The inherent weakness of optical nonlinearities at smaller scales has, however, hindered the realization of efficient miniaturized devices, and strategies for enhancing both device efficiencies and synthesis throughput via nanoengineering remain limited. Here, we demonstrate a novel mechanism by which second harmonic generation, a prototypical nonlinear optical phenomenon, from individual lithium niobate particles can be significantly enhanced through nonradiative coupling to the localized surface plasmon resonances of embedded gold nanoparticles. A joint experimental and theoretical investigation of single mesoporous lithium niobate particles coated with a dispersed layer of ~10 nm diameter gold nanoparticles shows that a ~32-fold enhancement of second harmonic generation can be achieved without introducing finely tailored radiative nanoantennas to mediate photon transfer to or from the nonlinear material. This work highlights the limitations of current strategies for enhancing nonlinear optical phenomena and proposes a route through which a new class of subwavelength nonlinear optical platforms can be designed to maximize nonlinear efficiencies through near-field energy exchange.

Multimodal Contrast Agent Enabling pH Sensing Based on Organically Functionalized Gold Nanoshells with Mn-Zn Ferrite Cores

Highly complex nanoparticles combining multimodal imaging with the sensing of physical properties in biological systems can considerably enhance biomedical research, but reports demonstrating the performance of a single nanosized probe in several imaging modalities and its sensing potential at the same time are rather scarce. Gold nanoshells with magnetic cores and complex organic functionalization may offer an efficient multimodal platform for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), photoacoustic imaging (PAI), and fluorescence techniques combined with pH sensing by means of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). In the present study, the synthesis of gold nanoshells with Mn-Zn ferrite cores is described, and their structure, composition, and fundamental properties are analyzed by powder X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, magnetic measurements, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The gold surface is functionalized with four different model molecules, namely thioglycerol, meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinate, 11-mercaptoundecanoate, and (11-mercaptoundecyl)-N,N,N-trimethylammonium bromide, to analyze the effect of varying charge and surface chemistry on cells in vitro. After characterization by dynamic and electrophoretic light scattering measurements, it is found that the particles do not exhibit significant cytotoxic effects, irrespective of the surface functionalization. Finally, the gold nanoshells are functionalized with a combination of 4-mercaptobenzoic acid and 7-mercapto-4-methylcoumarin, which introduces a SERS active pH sensor and a covalently attached fluorescent tag at the same time. ¹H NMR relaxometry, fluorescence spectroscopy, and PAI demonstrate the multimodal potential of the suggested probe, including extraordinarily high transverse relaxivity, while the SERS study evidences a pH-dependent spectral response.

Acoustics at the nanoscale (nanoacoustics): A comprehensive literature review.: Part II: Nanoacoustics for biomedical imaging and therapy

In the past decade, acoustics at the nanoscale (i.e., nanoacoustics) has evolved rapidly with continuous and substantial expansion of capabilities and refinement of techniques. Motivated by research innovations in the last decade, for the first time, recent advancements of acoustics-associated nanomaterials/nanostructures and nanodevices for different applications are outlined in this comprehensive review, which is written in two parts. As part II of this two-part review, this paper concentrates on nanoacoustics in biomedical imaging and therapy applications, including molecular ultrasound imaging, photoacoustic imaging, ultrasound-mediated drug delivery and therapy, and photoacoustic drug delivery and therapy. Firstly, the recent developments of nanosized ultrasound and photoacoustic contrast agents as well as their various imaging applications are examined. Secondly, different types of nanomaterials/nanostructures as nanocarriers for ultrasound and photoacoustic therapies are discussed. Finally, a discussion of challenges and future research directions are provided for nanoacoustics in medical imaging and therapy.

Hybrid Sol-Gel Surface-Enhanced Raman Sensor for Xylene Detection in Solution

This paper reports on the fabrication and characterization of a plasmonic/sol-gel sensor for the detection of aromatic molecules. The sol-gel film was engineered using polysilsesquioxanes groups to capture the analyte, through π-π interaction, and to concentrate it close to the plasmonic surface, where Raman amplification occurs. Xylene was chosen as an analyte to test the sensor. It belongs to the general class of volatile organic compounds and can be found in water or in the atmosphere as pollutants released from a variety of processes; its detection with SERS is typically challenging, due to its low affinity toward metallic surfaces. The identification of xylene was verified in comparison with that of other aromatic molecules, such as benzene and toluene. Investigations were carried out on solutions of xylene in cyclohexane, using concentrations in the range from 0 to 800 mM, to evaluate the limit of detection (LOD) of about 40 mM.

Biosensing Using SERS Active Gold Nanostructures

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has become a powerful tool for biosensing applications owing to its fingerprint recognition, high sensitivity, multiplex detection, and biocompatibility. This review provides an overview of the most significant aspects of SERS for biomedical and biosensing applications. We first introduced the mechanisms at the basis of the SERS amplifications: electromagnetic and chemical enhancement. We then illustrated several types of substrates and fabrication methods, with a focus on gold-based nanostructures. We further analyzed the relevant factors for the characterization of the SERS sensor performances, including sensitivity, reproducibility, stability, sensor configuration (direct or indirect), and nanotoxicity. Finally, a representative selection of applications in the biomedical field is provided.

Optothermal properties of plasmonic inorganic nanoparticles for photoacoustic applications

Plasmonic systems are becoming a favourable alternative to dye molecules in the generation of photoacoustic signals for spectroscopy and imaging. In particular, inorganic nanoparticles are appealing because of their versatility. In fact, as the shape, size and chemical composition of nanoparticles are directly correlated with their plasmonic properties, the excitation wavelength can be tuned to their plasmon resonance by adjusting such traits. This feature enables an extensive spectral range to be covered. In addition, surface chemical modifications can be performed to provide the nanoparticles with designed functionalities, e.g., selective affinity for specific macromolecules. The efficiency of the conversion of absorbed photon energy into heat, which is the physical basis of the photoacoustic signal, can be accurately determined by photoacoustic methods. This review contrasts studies that evaluate photoconversion in various kinds of nanomaterials by different methods, with the objective of facilitating the researchers' choice of suitable plasmonic nanoparticles for photoacoustic applications.

Differentiated adsorption of thiobenzoic acid and thiobenzamide on silver nanoparticles determined by SERS spectroscopy

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering of thiobenzoic acid and thiobenzamide have been recorded on three different silver colloids in order to find the chemical species responsible for the spectra and to detect differences in the adsorption with respect to their oxygen counterparts, benzoic acid and benzamide, respectively. Very significant and unexpected shifts of opposite sign between the Raman and SERS wavenumbers have been detected. By comparing the experimental and DFT calculated wavenumbers, it can be concluded that the acid is bonded to the metal as thiobenzoate through the sulfur atom with unidentate coordination. SERS spectra of thiobenzamide can be explained by assuming that it is adsorbed as azanion, like in the case of benzamide, linking to the metal through the sulfur and nitrogen atoms of the ionized thiocarboxamide group. In order to support these conclusions, B3LYP/LanL2DZ force field calculations for different complexes of silver cations with the thiobenzoate anion, the neutral thiobenzamide as well as its azanion have been carried out. Additionally, the 8a;ν_ring mode is the most enhanced band in the SERS of both adsorbates pointing to the participation of a metal-to-molecule resonant charge transfer mechanism.

Pulsed photoacoustic and photothermal response of gold nanoparticles

Gold nanospheres and nanorods are promising agents for photoacoustic imaging and photothermal therapy. In this work, seed-mediated methods were optimized for the synthesis of gold nanosphere and nanorod collides of different sizes. Nanosecond pulse photoacoustic and photothermal analysis of these nanoparticles was carried out and compared with finite element simulation. The simulations were performed to quantify the size dependent photoacoustic signal enhancement for nanospheres and nanorods. The non-sphericity contribution of nanospheres was found to enhance the photoacoustic signal. Nanosecond pulse photoacoustic studies of nanorods of different aspect ratio were carried out. Nanorods of aspect ratio ∼4.8 were found to be the most efficient photoacoustic signal generators. Photoacoustic studies of nanorods at varying laser fluence were performed and threshold fluence of 5 mJ cm^-2 was observed. Nanorods exposed to nanosecond laser pulses underwent size and shape variations which were confirmed by optical absorbance and transmission electron microscopy measurements. Simulations of nanorods of different aspect ratio and diameter were performed to investigate the photoacoustic signal enhancement and photothermal stability. The miniature size nanorod with a diameter of 10 nm and aspect ratio of 5 was found to be most appropriate in terms of photoacoustic signal generation and photothermal stability.

A Review on Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has become a powerful tool in chemical, material and life sciences, owing to its intrinsic features (i.e., fingerprint recognition capabilities and high sensitivity) and to the technological advancements that have lowered the cost of the instruments and improved their sensitivity and user-friendliness. We provide an overview of the most significant aspects of SERS. First, the phenomena at the basis of the SERS amplification are described. Then, the measurement of the enhancement and the key factors that determine it (the materials, the hot spots, and the analyte-surface distance) are discussed. A section is dedicated to the analysis of the relevant factors for the choice of the excitation wavelength in a SERS experiment. Several types of substrates and fabrication methods are illustrated, along with some examples of the coupling of SERS with separation and capturing techniques. Finally, a representative selection of applications in the biomedical field, with direct and indirect protocols, is provided. We intentionally avoided using a highly technical language and, whenever possible, intuitive explanations of the involved phenomena are provided, in order to make this review suitable to scientists with different degrees of specialization in this field.

Photoacoustic Imaging: Contrast Agents and Their Biomedical Applications

Photoacoustic (PA) imaging as a fast-developing imaging technique has great potential in biomedical and clinical applications. It is a noninvasive imaging modality that depends on the light-absorption coefficient of the imaged tissue and the injected PA-imaging contrast agents. Furthermore, PA imaging provides superb contrast, super spatial resolution, and high penetrability and sensitivity to tissue functional characteristics by detecting the acoustic wave to construct PA images. In recent years, a series of PA-imaging contrast agents are developed to improve the PA-imaging performance in biomedical applications. Here, recent progress of PA contrast agents and their biomedical applications are outlined. PA contrast agents are classified according to their components and function, and gold nanocrystals, gold-nanocrystal assembly, transition-metal chalcogenides/MXene-based nanomaterials, carbon-based nanomaterials, other inorganic imaging agents, small organic molecules, semiconducting polymer nanoparticles, and nonlinear PA-imaging contrast agents are discussed. The applications of PA contrast agents as biosensors (in the sensing of metal ions, pH, enzymes, temperature, hypoxia, reactive oxygen species, and reactive nitrogen species) and in bioimaging (lymph nodes, vasculature, tumors, and brain tissue) are discussed in detail. Finally, an outlook on the future research and investigation of PA-imaging contrast agents and their significance in biomedical research is presented.

Silver nanowires as infrared-active materials for surface-enhanced Raman scattering

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is increasing in significance as a bioanalytical tool. Novel nanostructured metal substrates are required to improve performances and versatility of SERS spectroscopy. In particular, as biological tissues are relatively transparent in the infrared wavelength range, SERS-active materials suitable for infrared laser excitation are needed. Nanowires appear interesting in this respect as they show a very broad localized surface plasmon resonance band, ranging from near UV to near infrared wavelengths. The SERS activity of silver nanowires has been tested at three wavelengths and a fair enhancement at 1064 and 514 nm has been observed, whereas a very weak enhancement was present when exciting close to the nanowire extinction maximum. These experimentally measured optical properties have been contrasted with finite element method simulations. Furthermore, laser-induced optoacoustic spectroscopy measurements have shown that the extinction at 1064 nm is completely due to scattering. This result has an important implication that no heating occurs when silver nanowires are utilized as SERS-active substrates, thereby preventing possible thermal damage.

Detailed correlations between SERS enhancement and plasmon resonances in subwavelength closely spaced Au nanorod arrays

Depending on the experimental conditions and plasmonic systems, the correlations between near-field surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) behaviors and far-field localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) responses have sometimes been accepted directly or argued or explored. In this work, we focus on the attractive subwavelength closely spaced metallic nanorod arrays and investigate in detail the complex relationship between their SERS behaviors and plasmon resonances. This is achieved utilizing a combination of array fabrication, conventional LSPR spectra, SERS measurements, electron microscopy and numerical modeling. Three key factors that may impact the correlations have been comprehensively analyzed: the intrinsic near-field to far-field red-shift is found to be rather small in the lattice; the surface roughness has actually little impact on the spectral alignment of the near- and far-field responses; the continuous dependence of individual SERS peak heights on the Stokes Raman shift has been visualized and further clarified. By 3D finite element method (FEM) plasmon mapping, the physical origin of the collective resonances in the lattice is verified directly to be the Fabry-Perot-like cavity mode. The strong near-field enhancement results from the coupling of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) propagating at the two sidewalls of neighbouring nanorods forming the resonant cavity. The physical principles demonstrated here benefit significantly the optimization of nano-optic devices based on closely spaced metallic nanorod arrays, as well as the fundamental understanding of the near- and far-field relationship.

Surface plasmon resonance in gold nanoparticles: a review

In the last two decades, plasmon resonance in gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) has been the subject of intense research efforts. Plasmon physics is intriguing and its precise modelling proved to be challenging. In fact, plasmons are highly responsive to a multitude of factors, either intrinsic to the Au NPs or from the environment, and recently the need emerged for the correction of standard electromagnetic approaches with quantum effects. Applications related to plasmon absorption and scattering in Au NPs are impressively numerous, ranging from sensing to photothermal effects to cell imaging. Also, plasmon-enhanced phenomena are highly interesting for multiple purposes, including, for instance, Raman spectroscopy of nearby analytes, catalysis, or sunlight energy conversion. In addition, plasmon excitation is involved in a series of advanced physical processes such as non-linear optics, optical trapping, magneto-plasmonics, and optical activity. Here, we provide the general overview of the field and the background for appropriate modelling of the physical phenomena. Then, we report on the current state of the art and most recent applications of plasmon resonance in Au NPs.

In Silico Stark Effect: Determination of Excited-State Polarizabilities of Squaraine Dyes

The static electric polarizabilities (α) of a quadrupolar squaraine dye are investigated in silico, either as the excess polarizability, i.e., the change from the ground to the lowest excited state, Δα, or as those of the two states separately, depending on the approach. The polarizabilities are worked out by making use of the energy and dipole moment Taylor expansions as a function of the electric field (E), in which α is represented by the quadratic and linear terms, respectively, and also by means of the linear response approach. Dipoles and energies are computed at a few values of the electric field, with different strategies that consider the geometry of the molecule either frozen in the ground state or relaxed at each E value. From a physical standpoint, the most appropriate approach to describing the molecular polarizability depends on the processes in which the molecule is involved: for example, fluorescence methods provide information about relaxed excited states, and absorption methods are used to determine the polarizability changes of excited states frozen in the ground-state conformation. We show that the excited-state polarizability does not strongly differ from the ground-state polarizability when the field is applied along the main axis of the squaraine. In contrast, remarkable differences are found when the field is applied perpendicular to the molecular plane due to a large geometrical distortion of the molecular backbone.

Oxidation effects on the SERS response of silver nanoprism arrays

Oxidation effects on SERS response of Ag nanoprism arrays are interpreted by FEM simulations of the local-field distribution around the nanoprisms.

Multi-angle fluorometer technique for the determination of absorption and scattering coefficients of subwavelength nanoparticles

A thorough analysis of the resonance light scattering (RLS) technique for quantitative scattering measurements of subwavelength nanoparticles is reported. The systematic error associated with using a measurement at a single angle to represent all of the scattered light is investigated. In-depth analysis of the reference material was performed to identify and minimize the error associated with the reference material. Semiconductor ZnO nanobullets and spherical Au nanoparticles of various sizes were used to verify the approach. A simple and inexpensive modification to standard fluorometers is demonstrated using a glass prism allowing scattering measurements in the slightly forward and backwards directions. This allows quantification of the systematic error associated with RLS which is consistently overlooked.

SERS detection of Biomolecules at Physiological pH via aggregation of Gold Nanorods mediated by Optical Forces and Plasmonic Heating

Strategies for in-liquid molecular detection via Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) are currently based on chemically-driven aggregation or optical trapping of metal nanoparticles in presence of the target molecules. Such strategies allow the formation of SERS-active clusters that efficiently embed the molecule at the “hot spots” of the nanoparticles and enhance its Raman scattering by orders of magnitude. Here we report on a novel scheme that exploits the radiation pressure to locally push gold nanorods and induce their aggregation in buffered solutions of biomolecules, achieving biomolecular SERS detection at almost neutral pH. The sensor is applied to detect non-resonant amino acids and proteins, namely Phenylalanine (Phe), Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) and Lysozyme (Lys), reaching detection limits in the μg/mL range. Being a chemical free and contactless technique, our methodology is easy to implement, fast to operate, needs small sample volumes and has potential for integration in microfluidic circuits for biomarkers detection.

Near-IR responsive nanostructures for nanobiophotonics: emerging impacts on nanomedicine

Nanobiophotonics is an emerging field at the intersection of nanoscience, photonics, and biotechnology. Harnessing interactions of light with nanostructures enables new types of bioimaging, sensing, and light-activated therapy which can make a major impact on nanomedicine. Low penetration through tissue limits the use of visible light in nanomedicine. Near infrared (NIR) light (~780-1100 nm) can penetrate significantly further, enabling free-space delivery into deep tissues. This review focuses on interactions of NIR light with nanostructures to produce three effects: direct photoactivation, photothermal effects, and photochemical effects. Applications of direct photoactivation include bioimaging and biosensing using NIR-emitting quantum dots, materials with localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) in the NIR, and upconverting nanoparticles. Two key nanomedicine applications using photothermal effects are photothermal therapy (PTT), and photoacoustic (PA) imaging. For photochemical effects, we present the latest advances in in-situ upconversion and upconverting nanostructures for NIR activation of photodynamic therapy (PDT).

FROM THE CLINICAL EDITOR

Nanobiophotonics is a relatively new field applying light for the interactions with nanostructures, which can be used in bioimaging, sensing, and therapy. As near infrared (NIR) light (~780-1100 nm) can have better tissue penetration, its clinical potential is far greater. In this review, the authors discussed the latest research on the applications of NIR light in imaging and therapeutics.

Wavelength dispersion of the local field intensity in silver-gold nanocages

This study provides a combined theoretical and experimental analysis of the far-field (extinction) and of the near-field (SERS enhancement) spectral distribution in hollow nanoparticles, that is, silver-gold nanocages (NCs). Chitosan protected NCs have been synthesized by a galvanic replacement-based procedure: their morphological properties and chemical composition have been characterized by TEM, STEM and ICP. NCs were then functionalized with a thiolated organic dye prior to carrying out SERS measurements. Finite Element Method simulations of a single NC have shown that the field enhancement at the excitation wavelength follows the same spectral dependence as the extinction spectrum and, consequently, the SERS enhancement profile, as a function of the excitation wavelength, peaks at higher energy with respect to extinction. The simulated extinction is remarkably narrower than the experimental spectrum of NCs in solution, indicating that the colloidal sample is substantially polydispersed. However, a simple qualitative model that we have developed would suggest that the SERS enhancement profile is blue-shifted with respect to the extinction in the presence of polydispersivity as well. In addition, NC dimers have been simulated: both their extinction and near field-spectra shift to the red when the size of the gap is reduced analogous to what happens with dimers of filled spherical nanoparticles (NPs). In addition, simulations also revealed that a NC dimer is only slightly more efficient in amplifying the field with respect to the isolated NC, and this behavior is peculiar to NCs. In fact, filled spherical NP dimers exhibit a remarkably stronger field enhancement with respect to the isolated NP. By means of Wavelength Scanned SERS, we measured the spectral distribution of the local field in a dispersion of NCs. We observed experimentally that the local field is distributed in the same spectral region as the extinction and that the absolute value of the SERS enhancement factor maintains a low value throughout the range explored (568-800 nm). We propose that the observed correlation between the SERS profile and the extinction is accidental and originates from the limited increase in amplification provided by NC aggregates with respect to isolated NCs.