Physiological Fluid Specific Agglomeration Patterns Diminish Gold Nanorod Photothermal Characteristics

Kristen K. Comfort, Jared W. Speltz, Bradley M. Stacy, Larry R. Dosser, Saber M. Hussain

Molecular Bioeffects Branch, Human Effectiveness Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, USA.
Molecular Bioeffects Branch, Human Effectiveness Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, USA; Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Dayton, Dayton, USA.
Mound Laser & Photonics Center Inc., Miamisburg, USA.

DOI: 10.4236/anp.2013.24046                

Abstract

Investigations into the use of gold nanorods (Au-NRs) for biological applications are growing exponentially due to their distinctive physicochemical properties, which make them advantageous over other nanomaterials. Au-NRs are particularly renowned for their plasmonic characteristics, which generate a robust photothermal response when stimulated with light at a wavelength matching their surface plasmon resonance. Numerous reports have explored this nanophotonic phenomenon for temperature driven therapies; however, to date there is a significant knowledge gap pertaining to the kinetic heating profile of Au-NRs within a controlled physiological setting. In the present study, the impact of environmental composition on Au-NR behavior and degree of laser actuated thermal production was assessed. Through acellular evaluation, we identified a loss of photothermal efficiency in biologically relevant fluids and linked this response to excessive particle aggregation and an altered Au-NR spectral profile. Furthermore, to evaluate the potential impact of solution composition on the efficacy of nano-based biological applications, the degree of targeted cellular destruction was ascertained in vitro and was found to be susceptible to fluid-dependent modifications. In summary, this study identified a diminution of Au-NR nanophotonic response in artificial physiological fluids that translated to a loss of application efficiency, pinpointing a critical concern that must be considered to advance in vivo, nano-based bio-applications.

Keywords

Gold Nanorod; Nanophotonic; Agglomeration; Artificial Physiological Fluid; Photothermal Application

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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