Bifunctional Gold Nanoshells with a Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide-Silica Core Suitable for Both MR Imaging and Photothermal Therapy

Xiaojun Ji, Ruping Shao, Andrew M. Elliott, R. Jason Stafford, Emilio Esparza-Coss, James A. Bankson, Gan Liang, Zhi Ping Luo, Keeseong Park, John T. Markert, Chun Li

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

314 Scopus citations

Abstract

We describe the synthesis, characterization, and use of hybrid nanoparticles with a superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO)-silica core and a gold nanoshell. These multifunctional nanoparticles, designated SPIO-Au nanoshells, displayed superparamagnetic characteristics and a significant absorbance in the near-infrared (NIR) region of the electromagnetic spectrum. In addition, they exhibited high transverse relaxivities, R2, and a large R 2/R1 ratio, and therefore, they could be imaged by MRI to obtain T2-weighted images. Moreover, the SPIO-Au nanoshells showed efficient photothermal effects when exposed to NIR light. The use of SPIO-Au nanoshells, with their combination of unique magnetic and optical properties, should enhance the efficacy of nanoshell-mediated photothermal therapy by making it possible to direct more nanoparticles to tumors through the application of external magnetic field and by permitting real-time in vivo MRI imaging of the distribution of the nanoparticles before, during, and after photothermal therapy.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)6245-6251
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Physical Chemistry C
Volume111
Issue number17
DOIs
StatePublished - May 3 2007

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • General Energy
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
  • Surfaces, Coatings and Films

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