Plasmonic "pump-probe" method to study semi-transparent nanofluids

Application of Nanomaterials in Endodontics

Recent advancements in nanotechnology have introduced a myriad of potential applications in dentistry, with nanomaterials playing an increasing role in endodontics. These nanomaterials exhibit distinctive mechanical and chemical properties, rendering them suitable for various dental applications in endodontics, including obturating materials, sealers, retro-filling agents, and root-repair materials. Certain nanomaterials demonstrate versatile functionalities in endodontics, such as antimicrobial properties that bolster the eradication of bacteria within root canals during endodontic procedures. Moreover, they offer promise in drug delivery, facilitating targeted and controlled release of therapeutic agents to enhance tissue regeneration and repair, which can be used for endodontic tissue repair or regeneration. This review outlines the diverse applications of nanomaterials in endodontics, encompassing endodontic medicaments, irrigants, obturating materials, sealers, retro-filling agents, root-repair materials, as well as pulpal repair and regeneration. The integration of nanomaterials into endodontics stands poised to revolutionize treatment methodologies, presenting substantial potential advancements in the field. Our review aims to provide guidance for the effective translation of nanotechnologies into endodontic practice, serving as an invaluable resource for researchers, clinicians, and professionals in the fields of materials science and dentistry.

Focused ultrasound-mediated small-molecule delivery to potentiate immune checkpoint blockade in solid tumors

In the last decade, immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has revolutionized the standard of treatment for solid tumors. Despite success in several immunogenic tumor types evidenced by improved survival, ICB remains largely unresponsive, especially in "cold tumors" with poor lymphocyte infiltration. In addition, side effects such as immune-related adverse events (irAEs) are also obstacles for the clinical translation of ICB. Recent studies have shown that focused ultrasound (FUS), a non-invasive technology proven to be effective and safe for tumor treatment in clinical settings, could boost the therapeutic effect of ICB while alleviating the potential side effects. Most importantly, the application of FUS to ultrasound-sensitive small particles, such as microbubbles (MBs) or nanoparticles (NPs), allows for precise delivery and release of genetic materials, catalysts and chemotherapeutic agents to tumor sites, thus enhancing the anti-tumor effects of ICB while minimizing toxicity. In this review, we provide an updated overview of the progress made in recent years concerning ICB therapy assisted by FUS-controlled small-molecule delivery systems. We highlight the value of different FUS-augmented small-molecules delivery systems to ICB and describe the synergetic effects and underlying mechanisms of these combination strategies. Furthermore, we discuss the limitations of the current strategies and the possible ways that FUS-mediated small-molecule delivery systems could boost novel personalized ICB treatments for solid tumors.

Fluorescent Nanoparticles for Super-Resolution Imaging

Super-resolution imaging techniques that overcome the diffraction limit of light have gained wide popularity for visualizing cellular structures with nanometric resolution. Following the pace of hardware developments, the availability of new fluorescent probes with superior properties is becoming ever more important. In this context, fluorescent nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted increasing attention as bright and photostable probes that address many shortcomings of traditional fluorescent probes. The use of NPs for super-resolution imaging is a recent development and this provides the focus for the current review. We give an overview of different super-resolution methods and discuss their demands on the properties of fluorescent NPs. We then review in detail the features, strengths, and weaknesses of each NP class to support these applications and provide examples from their utilization in various biological systems. Moreover, we provide an outlook on the future of the field and opportunities in material science for the development of probes for multiplexed subcellular imaging with nanometric resolution.

Computational and Experimental Analysis of Gold Nanorods in Terms of Their Morphology: Spectral Absorption and Local Field Enhancement

A nanoparticle's shape and size determine its optical properties. Nanorods are nanoparticles that have double absorption bands associated to surface plasmon oscillations along their two main axes. In this work, we analize the optical response of gold nanorods with numerical simulations and spectral absorption measurements to evaluate their local field enhancement-which is key for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopic (SERS) applications. Our experimental results are in good agreement with finite element method (FEM) simulations for the spectral optical absorption of the nanoparticles. We also observed a strong dependence of the optical properties of gold nanorods on their geometrical dimension and shape. Our numerical simulations helped us reveal the importance of the nanorods' morphology generated during the synthesis stage in the evaluation of absorption and local field enhancement. The application of these gold nanorods in surface-enhancement Raman spectroscopy is analyzed numerically, and results in a 5.8×104 amplification factor when comparing the values obtained for the nanorod deposited on a dielectric substrate compared to the nanorod immersed in water.

Using nanoparticles for in situ vaccination against cancer: mechanisms and immunotherapy benefits

Immunotherapy to treat cancer is now an established clinical approach. Immunotherapy can be applied systemically, as done with checkpoint blockade antibodies, but it can also be injected directly into identified tumors, in a strategy of in situ vaccination (ISV). ISV is designed to stimulate a strong local antitumor immune response involving both innate and adaptive immune cells, and through this generate a systemic antitumor immune response against metastatic tumors. A variety of ISVs have been utilized to generate an immunostimulatory tumor microenvironment (TME). These include attenuated microorganisms, recombinant proteins, small molecules, physical disruptors of TME (alternating magnetic and focused ultrasound heating, photothermal therapy, and radiotherapy), and more recently nanoparticles (NPs). NPs are attractive and unique since they can load multiple drugs or other reagents to influence immune and cancer cell functions in the TME, affording a unique opportunity to stimulate antitumor immunity. Here, we describe the NP-ISV therapeutic mechanisms, review chemically synthesized NPs (i.e., liposomes, polymeric, chitosan-based, inorganic NPs, etc.), biologically derived NPs (virus and bacteria-based NPs), and energy-activated NP-ISVs in the context of their use as local ISV. Data suggests that NP-ISVs can enhance outcomes of immunotherapeutic regimens including those utilizing tumor hyperthermia and checkpoint blockade therapies.

Review of the Mechanism of Nanocarriers and Technological Developments in the Field of Nanoparticles for Applications in Cancer Theragnostics

Cancer cannot be controlled by the usage of drugs alone, and thus, nanotechnology is an important technique that can provide the drug with an impetus to act more effectively. There is adequate availability of anticancer drugs that are classified as alkylating agents, hormones, or antimetabolites. Nanoparticle (NP) carriers increase the residence time of the drug, thereby enhancing the survival rate of the drug, which otherwise gets washed off owing to the small size of the drug particles by the excretory system. For example, for enhancing the circulation, a coating of nonfouling polymers like PEG and dextran is done. Famous drugs such as doxorubicin (DOX) are commonly encapsulated inside the nanocomposite. The various classes of nanoparticles are used to enhance drug delivery by aiding it to fight against the tumor. Targeted therapy aims to attack the cells with features common to the cancer cells while minimizing damage to the normal cell, and these therapies work in one in four ways. Some block the cancer cells from reproducing newer cells, others release toxic substances to kill the cancer cells, some stimulate the immune system to destroy the cancer cells, and some block the growth of more blood vessels around cancer cells, which starve the cells of the nutrients, which is needed for their growth. This review aims to testify the advancements nanotechnology has brought in cancer therapy, and its statements are supported with recent research findings and clinical trial results.

Nanomaterials application in greenhouse structures, crop processing machinery, packaging materials and agro-biomass conversion

The discovery of nanomaterials has flagged off crucial research and innovations in science and engineering. Its unique properties and diverse applications present it as the material for the future. The aim of this study is to presents the relative applications of nanomaterial in some aspects of agriculture production. The study discussed nanotechnology applicability in climate control and photosynthesis in the greenhouse farming, hydroponic systems, solar drying, fabrication of crop processing machine components, oxygen scavengers in crop packaging, and micro-organism stimulant in anaerobic digestion for agro biomass conversion. Some highlights from the review revealed that Nanotechnology can be applied to increase water surface area to volume ratio and heat transfer in the air moving into a greenhouse farming. Water cluster can be changed when treated with nanoparticles through ultraviolet absorption spectrum and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy resulting in lower micelles to manipulate water delivery in green house farming. Nano-fluids or Nano-composites can be used to recombine the reactive parts of thermal storage materials after broken at elevated temperature to recover the stored heat for drying purpose during the off-sunshine periods in solar drying of crops. Nanomaterials can be a source of electroluminescence light in hydroponic system and act as coatings and surface hardener in crop processing machinery for post-harvest machines. The reviewed work showed that nanotechnologies has good prospect in adding value in agricultural production in the aspects discussed.

PAMAM Dendrimer Nanomolecules Utilized as Drug Delivery Systems for Potential Treatment of Glioblastoma: A Systematic Review

Glioblastoma (GB) is a grade IV astrocytoma that maintains a poor prognosis with respect to current treatment options. Despite major advancements in the fields of surgery and chemoradiotherapy over the last few decades, the life expectancy for someone with glioblastoma remains virtually unchanged and warrants a new approach for treatment. Poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers are a type of nanomolecule that ranges in size (between 1 and 100 nm) and shape and can offer a new viable solution for the treatment of intracranial tumors, including glioblastoma. Their ability to deliver a variety of therapeutic cargo and penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB), while preserving low cytotoxicity, make them a favorable candidate for further investigation into the treatment of glioblastoma. Here, we present a systematic review of the current advancements in PAMAM dendrimer technology, including the wide spectrum of dendrimer generations formulated, surface modifications, core modifications, and conjugations developed thus far to enhance tumor specificity and tumor penetration for treatment of glioblastoma. Furthermore, we highlight the extensive variety of therapeutics capable of delivery by PAMAM dendrimers for the treatment of glioblastoma, including cytokines, peptides, drugs, siRNAs, miRNAs, and organic polyphenols. While there have been prolific results stemming from aggressive research into the field of dendrimer technology, there remains a nearly inexhaustible amount of questions that remain unanswered. Nevertheless, this technology is rapidly developing and is nearing the cusp of use for aggressive tumor treatment. To that end, we further highlight future prospects in focus as researchers continue developing more optimal vehicles for the delivery of therapeutic cargo.

Cancer immunotherapy with immunoadjuvants, nanoparticles, and checkpoint inhibitors: Recent progress and challenges in treatment and tracking response to immunotherapy

Chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation are accepted as the preferred treatment modalities against cancer, but in recent years the use of immunotherapeutic approaches has gained prominence as the fourth treatment modality in cancer patients. In this approach, a patient's innate and adaptive immune systems are activated to achieve clearance of occult cancerous cells. In this review, we discuss the preclinical and clinical immunotherapeutic (e.g., immunoadjuvants (in-situ vaccines, oncolytic viruses, CXC antagonists, device activated agents), organic and inorganic nanoparticles, and checkpoint blockade) that are under investigation for cancer therapy and diagnostics. Additionally, the innovations in imaging of immune cells for tracking therapeutic responses and limitations (e.g., toxicity, inefficient immunomodulation, etc.) are described. Existing data suggest that if immune therapy is optimized, it can be a real and potentially paradigm-shifting cancer treatment frontier.

Upconversion enhancement through a facile, ultrafast, and low-threshold laser annealing strategy

Particle size significantly affects the brightness of luminescent nanocrystals. Herein we firstly adopt a 1530 nm CW laser as the optical heating source to increase the particle size of Er³⁺ heavily doped nanocrystals, leading to giant enhancement of the luminescent intensity. The advantages of this method are mainly feature along the facile route, with an ultrafast process, and low threshold of the laser power density. The detailed mechanisms of the laser annealing are carefully investigated. In addition, fluorescence intensity ratio behaviours using different emission bands are comparatively investigated.

Traditional Acupuncture Meets Modern Nanotechnology: Opportunities and Perspectives

Acupuncture is an ancient method in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Usually acupuncture needles are inserted into the body to achieve therapeutic effects. However, there are still some challenges to achieve consensuses. What is the essence or anatomy of acupuncture meridians? How does acupuncture work? How to improve acupuncture clinical therapeutic effect? These questions may be addressed by highlighting recent developments in innovative nanotechnology. The aim of this review is to elucidate the possible applications and future potential of nanotechnology in acupuncture. Nanoparticles are promising for imaging and it may gain a better understanding of the essence of meridian. Nanotechnology enables nanochips/nanosensors providing new solutions in detection reactive molecules in vivo and in real time. The connections and changing of these molecules with needle stimulation will allow insight into the mechanisms of acupuncture. Acupuncture combined with nano-TCM could provide a great potential in some type of characteristic acupuncture therapies improvement. By virtue of nanotechnology, the acupuncture needles could be innovated as multifunction toolbox. Acupuncture needles could be considered as a method for controlled drug delivery. The nanoparticulated photothermal, magnetothermal, photodynamic agents could also be filled on the surface of needle.

Voltammetric Behavior, Identifying and Quantitatively Determining Iron-Based Nanoparticles, and Evaluating Their Stability in Simulated Solutions of Gastric Juice

The electrochemical behavior of Fe3O4 nanoparticles, iron nanoparticles coated with carbon, and diazonium salts by voltammetry methods using a carbon paste electrode (CPE) has been studied. There has been developed a voltammetric method for identifying and quantifying solid-phase iron-based nanoparticles in the background electrolyte of 0.02 mole/dm3 Trilon B (pH 3.5) with the use of the CPE. Investigations of nanoparticles' stability with various coatings in a simulated solution of gastric juice have been carried out. Nanoparticles stability has been evaluated on the basis of determining Fe(III) ions in a simulated solution after contacting with nanoparticles within different periods of time using the method of inversion voltammetry. It has been shown that nanoparticles coated with carbon and salts of arendiazonium are the most resistant to aggressive media.

The Effect of Gold Nanorods Clustering on Near-Infrared Radiation Absorption

In this paper, the plasmonic resonant absorption of gold nanorods (GNRs) and GNR solutions was studied both numerically and experimentally. The heat generation in clustered GNR solutions with various concentrations was measured by exposing them to Near Infrared (NIR) light in experiment. Correspondingly, calculations based on the discrete-dipole approximation (DDA) revealed the same relationship between the maximum absorption efficiency and the nanorod orientation for the incident radiation. Additionally, both the plasmonic wavelength and the maximum absorption efficiency of a single nanorod were found to increase linearly with increasing aspect ratio (for a fixed nanorod volume). The wavelength of the surface plasmonic resonance (SPR) was found to change when the gold nanorods were closely spaced. Specifically, both a shift and a broadening of the resonance peak were attained when the distance between the nanorods was set to about 50 nm or less. The absorbance spectra of suspended nanorods at various volume fractions also showed that the plasmonic wavelength of the nanorods solution was at 780 ± 10 nm, which was in good agreement with the computational predictions for coupled side-by-side nanorods. When heated by NIR light, the rate of increase for both the temperature of solution and the absorbed light diminished when the volume fraction of suspended nanorods reached a value of 1.24×10−6. This matches with expectations for a partially clustered suspension of nanorods in water. Overall, this study reveals that particle clustering should be considered to accurately gauge the heat generation of the GNR hyperthermia treatments.

Nanotherapeutics: An insight into healthcare and multi-dimensional applications in medical sector of the modern world

In recent years nanotechnology has revolutionized the healthcare strategies and envisioned to have a tremendous impact to offer better health facilities. In this context, medical nanotechnology involves design, fabrication, regulation, and application of therapeutic drugs and devices having a size in nano-range (1-100 nm). Owing to the revolutionary implications in drug delivery and gene therapy, nanotherapeutics has gained increasing research interest in the current medical sector of the modern world. The areas which anticipate benefits from nano-based drug delivery systems are cancer, diabetes, infectious diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, blood disorders and orthopedic problems. The development of nanotherapeutics with multi-functionalities has considerable potential to fill the lacunae existing in the present therapeutic domain. Nanomedicines in the field of cancer management have enhanced permeability and retention of drugs thereby effectively targeting the affected tissues. Polymeric conjugates of asparaginase, polymeric micelles of paclitaxel have been recmended for various types of cancer treatment .The advancement of nano therapeutics and diagnostics can provide the improved effectiveness of the drug with less or no toxicity concerns. Similarly, diagnostic imaging is having potential future applications with newer imaging elements at nano level. The newly emerging field of nanorobotics can provide new directions in the field of healthcare. In this article, an attempt has been made to highlight the novel nanotherapeutic potentialities of polymeric nanoparticles, nanoemulsion, solid lipid nanoparticle, nanostructured lipid carriers, dendrimers, nanocapsules and nanosponges based approaches. The useful applications of these nano-medicines in the field of cancer, nutrition, and health have been discussed in details. Regulatory and safety concerns along with the commercial status of nanosystems have also been presented. In summary, a successful translation of emerging nanotherapeutics into commercial products may lead to an expansion of biomedical science. Towards the end of the review, future perspectives of this important field have been introduced briefly.

Characterization of phytoconstituents and evaluation of antimicrobial activity of silver-extract nanoparticles synthesized from Momordica charantia fruit extract

BACKGROUND

Our present study was conducted to characterize the phytoconstituents present in the aqueous extract of Momordica charantia and evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of silver-extract nanoparticles (Ag-Extract-NPs).

METHODS

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were prepared by reducing AgNO3; and NaBH4 served as reducing agent. After screening of phytochemicals; AgNPs and aqueous extract were mixed thoroughly and then coated by polyaniline. These NPs were characterized by using Visual inspection, UV spectroscopy, FTIR, SEM and TEM techniques. Antimicrobial activities were assessed against Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

RESULTS

Aqueous extract of M. charantia fruits contain alkaloid, phenol, saponin etc. UV-Vis spectrum showed strong absorption peak around 408 nm. The presence of -CH, -NH, -COOH etc. stretching in FTIR spectrum of Ag-Extract-NPs endorsed that AgNPs were successfully capped by bio-compounds. SEM and TEM result revealed that synthesized NPs had particle size 78.5-220 nm. Ag-Extract-NPs showed 34.6 ± 0.8 mm zone of inhibition against E. coli compared to 25.6 ± 0.5 mm for ciprofloxacin. Maximum zone of inhibition for Ag-Extract-NPs were 24.8 ± 0.7 mm, 26.4 ± 0.4 mm, 7.4 ± 0.4 mm for S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and S. typhi. We found that Ag-Extract-NPs have much better antibacterial efficacy than AgNPs and M. charantia extract has individually. It is also noticed that gram negative bacteria (except S. typhi) are more susceptible to Ag-Extract-NPs than gram positive bacteria.

CONCLUSION

Ag-Extract-NPs showed strong antibacterial activity. In order to make a reliable stand for mankind, further study is needed to consider determining the actual biochemical pathway by which AgNPs-extracts exert their antimicrobial effect.

Therapeutic role of a synthesized calcium phosphate nanocomposite material on hepatocarcinogenesis in rats

Nanotechnology research is booming worldwide, and the general belief is that medical and biological applications will form the greatest sector of expansion over the next decade. With this in mind, this study was designed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of a synthesized tricalcium phosphate nanocomposite material (nano-TCP) on hepatocarcinoma in a rat model, as initiated with diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and promoted with phenobarbital (PB). Hepatocarcinoma was induced with intraperitoneal injections of DEN (50 mg·(kg body mass)(-1)) 3 times a week for 2 weeks. Three weeks after the last dose of DEN, the rats received PB (0.05 %, w/v) in their drinking water for a further 6 weeks. Nano-TCP (100 mg·(kg body mass)(-1)) was administered intraperitoneally 3 times per week to rats with HCC. At the end of the experimental period, liver samples were collected from all animals for biochemical and histopathological analysis. The degree of DNA fragmentation was analyzed, in addition to immune status, by measuring the levels of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-2 (IL-2). The activities of the most important free-radical scavengers of the antioxidant defense system as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) content and liver enzymes were measured. The levels of hepatic heat shock protein-70 (HSP-70), caspase-3, and metalloproteinase-9 were also measured as markers for inflammation and apoptosis. Histopathological examination of liver tissue was performed. The results revealed the potent efficacy of nano-TCP in repairing the fragmented DNA and ameliorating most of the investigated parameters by significant elevation in the levels of hepatic alanine aminotransferase (ALT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities. On the other hand, there was a significant decrease in hepatic gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT), MDA, IL-2, IFN-γ, TNF-α, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), HSP-70, and caspase-3 levels upon treatment. The findings form histopathological examination of the liver tissues agreed with the biochemical results and confirmed the difference between the control and treatment groups. In conclusion, nano-TCP succeeded in treating hepatocarcinoma efficiently, and presents a new hope for patients to get safe, fast, and effective treatment.

Comparison of selective transmitters for solar thermal applications

Solar thermal collectors are radiative heat exchangers. Their efficacy is dictated predominantly by their absorption of short wavelength solar radiation and, importantly, by their emission of long wavelength thermal radiation. In conventional collector designs, the receiver is coated with a selectively absorbing surface (Black Chrome, TiNO_x, etc.), which serves both of these aims. As the leading commercial absorber, TiNO_x consists of several thin, vapor deposited layers (of metals and ceramics) on a metal substrate. In this technology, the solar absorption to thermal emission ratio can exceed 20. If a solar system requires an analogous transparent component-one which transmits the full AM1.5 solar spectrum, but reflects long wavelength thermal emission-the technology is much less developed. Bespoke "heat mirrors" are available from optics suppliers at high cost, but the closest mass-produced commercial technology is low-e glass. Low-e glasses are designed for visible light transmission and, as such, they reflect up to 50% of available solar energy. To address this technical gap, this study investigated selected combinations of thin films that could be deposited to serve as transparent, selective solar covers. A comparative numerical analysis of feasible materials and configurations was investigated using a nondimensional metric termed the efficiency factor for selectivity (EFS). This metric is dependent on the operation temperature and solar concentration ratio of the system, so our analysis covered the practical range for these parameters. It was found that thin films of indium tin oxide (ITO) and ZnS-Ag-ZnS provided the highest EFS. Of these, ITO represents the more commercially viable solution for large-scale development. Based on these optimized designs, proof-of-concept ITO depositions were fabricated and compared to commercial depositions. Overall, this study presents a systematic guide for creating a new class of selective, transparent optics for solar thermal collectors.

Carbon-Coated Gold Nanorods: A Facile Route to Biocompatible Materials for Photothermal Applications

Gold nanorods and their core-shell nanocomposites have been widely studied because of their well-defined anisotropy and unique optical properties and applications. This study demonstrates a facile hydrothermal synthesis strategy for generating carbon coating on gold nanorods (AuNRs@C) under mild conditions (<200 °C), where the carbon shell is composed of polymerized sugar molecules (glucose). The structure and composition of the produced core-shell nanocomposites were characterized using advanced microscopic and spectroscopic techniques. The functional properties, particularly the photothermal and biocompatibility properties of the produced AuNRs@C, were quantified to assess their potential in photothermal hyperthermia. These AuNRs@C were tested in vitro (under representative treatment conditions) using near-infrared (NIR) light irradiation. It was found that the AuNRs produced here exhibit exemplary heat generation capability. Temperature changes of 10.5, 9, and 8 °C for AuNRs@C were observed with carbon shell thicknesses of 10, 17, and 25 nm, respectively, at a concentration of 50 μM, after 600 s of irradiation with a laser power of 0.17 W/cm(2). In addition, the synthesized AuNRs@C also exhibit good biocompatibility toward two soft tissue sarcoma cell lines (HT1080, a fibrosarcoma; and GCT, a fibrous histiocytoma). The cell viability study shows that AuNRs@C (at a concentration of <0.1 mg/mL) core-shell particles induce significantly lower cytotoxicity on both HT1080 and GCT cell lines, as compared with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)-capped AuNRs. Furthermore, similar to PEG-modified AuNRs, they are also safe to both HT1080 and GCT cell lines. This biocompatibility results from a surface full of -OH or -COH groups, which are suitable for linking and are nontoxic Therefore, the AuNRs@C represent a viable alternative to PEG-coated AuNRs for facile synthesis and improved photothermal conversion. Overall, these findings open up a new class of carbon-coated nanostructures that are biocompatible and could potentially be employed in a wide range of biomedical applications.

Nanoparticle-Assisted Heating Utilizing a Low-Cost White Light Source

In this experimental study, a filtered white light is used to induce heating in water-based dispersions of 20 nm diameter gold nanospheres (GNSs)—enabling a low-cost form of plasmonic photothermal heating. The resulting temperature fields were measured using an infrared (IR) camera. The effect of incident radiative flux (ranging from 0.38 to 0.77 W·cm−2) and particle concentration (ranging from 0.25–1.0 × 1013 particles per mL) on the solution's temperature were investigated. The experimental results indicate that surface heat treatments via GNSs can be achieved through complementary tuning of GNS solutions and filtered light.

Investigation on nanoparticle distribution for thermal ablation of a tumour subjected to nanoparticle assisted thermal therapy

This study investigates the effect of the distribution of nanoparticles delivered to a skin tumour for the thermal ablation conditions attained during thermal therapy. Ultimate aim is to define a distribution of nanoparticles as well as a combination of other therapeutic parameters to attain thermal ablation temperatures (50-60 °C) within whole of the tumour region. Three different cases of nanoparticle distributions are analysed under controlled conditions for all other parameters viz. irradiation intensity and duration, and volume fraction of nanoparticles. Results show that distribution of nanoparticles into only the periphery of tumour resulted in desired thermal ablation temperature in whole of tumour. For the tumour size considered in this study, an irradiation intensity of 1.25 W/cm(2) for duration of 300 s and a nanoparticle volume fraction of 0.001% was optimal to attain a temperature of ≥53 °C within the whole tumour region. It is concluded that distribution of nanoparticles in peripheral region of tumour, along with a controlled combination of other parameters, seems favourable and provides a promising pathway for thermal ablation of a tumour subjected to nanoparticle assisted thermal therapy.