Laser-induced explosion of gold nanoparticles: potential role for nanophotothermolysis of cancer.
OBJECTIVE
This article explores the laser-induced explosion of absorbing nanoparticles in selective nanophotothermolysis of cancer.


METHODS
This is realized through fast overheating of a strongly absorbing target during the time of a short laser pulse when the influence of heat diffusion is minimal.


RESULTS
On the basis of simple energy balance, it is found that the threshold laser fluence for thermal explosion of different gold nanoparticles is in the range of 25-40 mJ/cm(2).


CONCLUSIONS
Explosion of nanoparticles may be accompanied by optical plasma, generation of shock waves with supersonic expansion and particle fragmentation with fragments of high kinetic energy, all of which can contribute to the killing of cancer cells.
Letfullin
Renat R
RR
Department of Physics and Optical Engineering, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Terre Haute, IN 47803-3999, USA.
Joenathan
Charles
C
George
Thomas F
TF
Zharov
Vladimir P
VP
D000818:Animals; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006046:Gold / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers; D008422:Materials Testing; D008968:Molecular Conformation / Q000528:radiation effects; D050997:Nanomedicine / Q000379:methods*; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000528:radiation effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy; D010316:Particle Size; D010789:Phototherapy / Q000379:methods
D006046:Gold