Biomimetic synthesis of highly biocompatible gold nanoparticles with amino acid-dithiocarbamate as a precursor for SERS imaging

A near-infrared light-responsive nanocomposite for photothermal release of H2S and suppression of cell viability

Photothermal nanoparticles and thermo-labile precursors are combined together as a near-infrared light triggered photothermal H₂S-release platform for synchronous photothermal stimulation and gas release to suppress cell viability.

Site-Selective Nucleation and Size Control of Gold Nanoparticle Photothermal Antennae on the Pore Structures of a Virus

In this Article, we show that the surface of the bacteriophage Qβ is equipped with natural ligands for the synthesis of small gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). By exploiting disulfides in the protein secondary structure and the geometry formed from the capsid quaternary structure, we find that we can produce regularly arrayed patterns of ∼6 nm AuNPs across the surface of the virus-like particle. Experimental and computational analyses provide insight into the formation and stability of this composite. We further show that the entrapped genetic material can hold upward of 500 molecules of the anticancer drug Doxorubicin without leaking and without interfering with the synthesis of the AuNPs. This direct nucleation of nanoparticles on the capsid allows for exceptional conduction of photothermal energy upon nanosecond laser irradiation. As a proof of principle, we demonstrate that this energy is capable of rapidly releasing the drug from the capsid without heating the bulk solution, allowing for highly targeted cell killing in vitro.

Recent progress in theranostic applications of hybrid gold nanoparticles

A significant area of research is theranostic applications of nanoparticles, which involves efforts to improve delivery and reduce side effects. Accordingly, the introduction of a safe, effective, and, most importantly, renewable strategy to target, deliver and image disease cells is important. This state-of-the-art review focuses on studies done from 2013 to 2016 regarding the development of hybrid gold nanoparticles as theranostic agents in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and infectious disease. Several syntheses (chemical and green) methods of gold nanoparticles and their applications in imaging, targeting, and delivery are reviewed; their photothermal efficiency is discussed as is the toxicity of gold nanoparticles. Owing to the unique characterizations of hybrid gold nanoparticles and their potential to be developed as multifunctional, we predict they will present an undeniable role in clinical studies and provide treatment platforms for various diseases. Thus, their clearance and interactions with extra- and intra-cellular molecules need to be considered in future projects.

Computational studies on the interactions of glycine amino acid with graphene, h-BN and h-SiC monolayers

In the present work, the adsorption of glycine amino acid and its zwitterionic form onto three different hexagonal sheets, namely graphene, boron-nitride (h-BN) and silicon carbide (h-SiC), has been investigated within the framework of density functional theory (DFT) calculations.