Silicon nanoparticles produced by femtosecond laser ablation in water as novel contamination-free photosensitizers.
We report the synthesis of novel inorganic contamination-free photosensitizers based on colloidal silicon nanoparticles prepared by laser ablation in pure deionized water. We show that such nanoparticles are capable of generating singlet oxygen ((1)O(2)) under laser irradiation with a yield estimated at 10% of that of photofrin, which makes them a potential candidate for therapeutics, antiseptics, or disinfectants. We also discuss a model of (1)O(2) generation and the possibility for optimizing its release. Potential advantages of such novel inorganic photosensitizers include stable and nonphotobleaching (1)O(2) release, easy removal, and low dark toxicity.
Rioux
David
D
Ecole Polytechnique de Montreal, Departement de Genie Physique, Laser Processing Laboratory, Case Postale 6079, Succursale Centre-ville, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3A7, Canada.
Laferrière
Marie
M
Douplik
Alexandre
A
Shah
Duoaud
D
Lilge
Lothar
L
Kabashin
Andrei V
AV
Meunier
Michel M
MM
D004340:Drug Contamination / Q000517:prevention & control; D007834:Lasers; D008422:Materials Testing; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000528:radiation effects / Q000627:therapeutic use / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D010316:Particle Size; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry*
D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D014867:Water