Theranostic Nanoshells: From Probe Design to Imaging and Treatment of Cancer

TLDR: This Account examines the design and synthesis of nanoshell-based theranostic agents, their plasmon-derived optical properties, and their corresponding applications, and describes the fabrication of DNA-conjugatednanoshell complexes and the efficiency of light-induced and thermally-induced release of DNA.

Abstract: Recent advances in nanoscience and biomedicine have expanded our ability to design and construct multifunctional nanoparticles that combine targeting, therapeutic, and diagnostic functions within a single nanoscale complex The theranostic capabilities of gold nanoshells, spherical nanoparticles with silica cores and gold shells, have attracted tremendous attention over the past decade as nanoshells have emerged as a promising tool for cancer therapy and bioimaging enhancementThis Account examines the design and synthesis of nanoshell-based theranostic agents, their plasmon-derived optical properties, and their corresponding applications We discuss the design and preparation of nanoshell complexes and their ability to enhance the photoluminescence of fluorophores while maintaining their properties as MR contrast agents In this Account, we discuss the underlying physical principles that contribute to the photothermal response of nanoshells We then elucidate the photophysical processes that induce nanos