For developing a free radical-quenched surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) probe, starch, a linear molecule, was used as a protective layer to coat gold nanoshells (GNSs) as enhancement substrates and then, methylene blue (MB) was absorbed on the starch-coated GNSs as a free radical-responsive element. By detecting the change of the SERS intensity of MB on GNSs, the free radical-quenched S...

We have combined a versatile and powerful route to deliver nucleic acids with peptide-based cell-specific targeting. siRNA targeting the polo-like kinase gene is in clinical trials for cancer treatment, and here we deliver this RNA selectively to cancer cells displaying the neuropilin-1 epitope using gold nanoshells. Release of the siRNA from the nanoparticles results from irradiation with a pu...

In vitro studies were initiated to determine the suitability of murine and rat macrophages as delivery vehicles for gold nanoshells in the treatment of gliomas. Visualization of macrophage accumulation in and around gliomas may be accomplished using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIO). The optimal loading of both murine and rat macrophages with...

In this study, first, we prepared ternary component semiconductor powders of ZnmIn2S3+m (ZIS) by using microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. Microwave-assisted hydrothermal process is a facile way to produce nanomaterials at a shorter reaction time with less secondary impurities while changing the amount of zinc in a series of solid solutions. With little adjustment of the ratios of [Zn]/[In]...

A theoretical investigation of loss-compensation capabilities in composite materials made of plasmonic nanoshells is carried out by considering quantum dots (QDs) as the nanoshells' cores. The QD and metal permittivities are modeled according to published experimental data. We determine the modes with real or complex wavenumber able to propagate in a 3D periodic lattice of nanoshells. Mode anal...