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Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticle Integrated Photo-responsive Liposomes and Measurement of Their Microbubble Cavitation upon Pulse Laser Excitation
Published on: February 24, 2016
Plasmon resonant gold-coated liposomes for spectrally coded content release
Sarah J Leung1, Timothy S Troutman, Marek Romanowski
1Biomedical Engineering Program, The University of Arizona, 1657 E. Helen Street, Tucson, AZ, USA 85721.
Summary
Gold-coated liposomes release encapsulated contents upon laser illumination. This light-mediated release is spectrally tunable, enabling precise, multi-agent delivery for nanomedicine applications.
Area of Science:
- Nanomedicine
- Biomaterials
- Optical Engineering
Background:
- Liposome-supported plasmon resonant gold nanoshells offer potential for multifunctional nanomedicine applications.
- These gold-coated liposomes are designed for renal clearance after degradation.
- Existing applications include imaging, diagnostics, therapy, and drug delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate laser-induced release of encapsulated substances from gold-coated liposomes.
- To investigate spectrally tunable plasmon resonance for controlled content release.
- To explore applications in precise, multi-agent delivery systems.
Main Methods:
- Utilized laser illumination tuned to the plasmon resonance band of gold-coated liposomes.
- Monitored encapsulated content release via self-quenched fluorescein fluorescence.
- Adjusted gold deposition concentration to tune the plasmon resonance peak in the near-infrared range.
Main Results:
- Laser illumination at the plasmon resonance wavelength induced rapid release of encapsulated substances.
- Fluorescein release confirmed content leakage, indicated by increased fluorescence.
- Plasmon resonance wavelength was spectrally tunable by varying gold concentration.
Conclusions:
- Laser-triggered release from gold-coated liposomes is feasible and efficient.
- Spectrally coded light-mediated release enables precise control over payload delivery.
- This technology supports advanced diagnostic tests and therapeutic interventions through multi-agent delivery.
