Tunable release of multiplex biochemicals by plasmonically active rotary nanomotors

It is highly desirable to precisely tune the molecule release rate from the surfaces of nanoparticles (NPs) that are relevant to cancer therapy and single-cell biology. An innovative mechanism is reported to actively tune the biochemical release rate by rotation of NPs. Plasmonic nanomotors were assembled from NPs and applied in multiplex biochemical release and detection. Both single and multiplex biosignals can be released in a tunable fashion by controlling the rotation speed of the nanomotors. The chemistry and release rate of individual chemicals can be revealed by Raman spectroscopy. The fundamental mechanism was modeled quantitatively and attributed to the fluidic boundary-layer reduction owing to the liquid convection. This work, which explored the synergistic attributes of surface enhanced Raman scattering and nanoelectromechanical systems, could inspire new sensors that are potentially interesting for various bio-applications.