Optimization of photothermal methods for laser hyperthermia of malignant cells using bioconjugates of gold nanoparticles

Abstract

Selective action of laser radiation on membranes of malignant cells has been studied in different regimes using conjugates of gold nanoparticles with oligonucleotides by the example of DNA aptamers. Under the conditions of a contact between a bioconjugate and a cell surface and the development of substantial and rapidly relaxing temperature gradients near a nanoparticle, the membranes of malignant cells alone are efficiently damaged due to the local hyperthermia of a cellular membrane. It has been shown that employment of pulsed instead of continuous wave laser radiation provides the localization of the damaging action, which does not involve healthy cells.