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Gilded vaterite optothermal transport in a bubble
Hod Gilad1,2, Hani Barhum3,4,5, Andrey Ushkov3,4
1Department of Electrical Engineering, Tel Aviv University, 69978, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv, Israel. hodgilad@mail.tau.ac.il.
Scientific Reports
|July 27, 2023
Summary
Researchers harnessed laser beams and gold-decorated nanoparticles to create stable, self-propelled microbubbles. These optothermal effects enable precise control over particle dynamics, paving the way for advanced drug delivery systems.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Nanotechnology
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- Laser beams control micron-scale objects via electromagnetic forces.
- Environment-induced thermal effects can also influence particle dynamics.
- Thermocapillary Marangoni effect generates long-range forces on bubbles around nanoparticles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the thermocapillary Marangoni effect on bubbles around gilded nanoparticles.
- To demonstrate control over bubble dynamics using a balance of electromagnetic and thermal interactions.
- To investigate the potential of optothermal effects for advanced applications like drug delivery.
Main Methods:
- Decorating calcium carbonate (vaterite) nanoparticles with gold nanoseeds to tune optical absorption.
- Utilizing laser beams to control nanoparticle temperature and induce bubble formation.
- Observing bubble stability, size maintenance, and movement towards laser focus.
Main Results:
- A stable micron-scale bubble was created around gilded vaterite nanoparticles.
- The bubble size remained stable over time, even after the laser was switched off.
- Bubbles exhibited directed swimming towards the laser focus over distances exceeding 400 µm.
Conclusions:
- Optothermal effects provide efficient transport and stable bubble creation.
- This method allows precise control over particle-fluid interactions.
- Potential applications include enhanced functions for nano-engineered drug delivery capsules, moving towards theranostics.
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