Plasmonic Nanobubbles as Tunable Theranostic Agents

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Plasmonic nanobubbles (PNB) were developed to support a cell level theranostics as the multi-functional, tunable and selective cellular probes. PNB is a transient and tunable vapor nanobubble that is generated on demand around overheated plasmonic nanoparticle with a short laser pulse. A PNB was developed to support the dynamically tunable functions of imaging, diagnosis, therapy (through direct cell ablation and through the dintracellular delivery of molecular cargo) and, ultimately, theranostics. The concept of theranostics was recently introduced in order to unite the clinically important stages of treatment, such as diagnosis, therapy and therapy guidance, into one single, rapid and highly accurate procedure. Cell level theranostics will have far-reaching implications for the treatment of cancer and other diseases at their earliest stage. In the short term, we expect that this technology will be rapidly adaptable to clinical medicine, where the single cell resolution it provides will be critical for diagnosing incipient or residual disease and eliminating diseased cells, while leaving healthy cells intact.

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Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 3, Nanotechnology 2011: Bio Sensors, Instruments, Medical, Environment and Energy
Published: June 13, 2011
Pages: 367 - 370
Industry sector: Medical & Biotech
Topics: Biomaterials, Cancer Nanotechnology
ISBN: 978-1-4398-7138-6