Simultaneous Optical Monitoring of the Overgrowth Modes of Individual Asymmetric Hybrid Nanoparticles

摘要

Nanoparticles that combine domains with different compositions (e.g., noble metals, iron oxide, organic compounds, or polymer) have attracted considerable interest for biomedical applications, because two or more important functions, for example, targeting, imaging, and therapy, can be combined into a single nanoparticle, and such a particle would increase the precision and efficacy of diagnosis and treatment. A gold nanoparticle is well suited to the framework of multifunctional nanoparticles owing to its biocompatible surface and unique optical properties. Surface conjugation with an antibody, DNA, a drug-embedded polymer, or an iron oxide moiety could enable a variety of combinations for targeting, imaging, and photothermal treatment.