Shape-dependent interaction of gold nanoparticles with cultured cells at laser exposure

Laser optoporation of cells by local heating of plasmonic gold nanoparticles (GNPs) was proven as a favorable delivery method of molecules into cells. The optoporation efficiency depends on the laser beam intensity and GNP properties. Here, we evaluate the membrane optoporation in vitro in terms of fluorescent dye permeability under treatment of a multi-pulsed nanosecond 1064 nm laser with a sharply-focused beam. Anisotropic GNPs, such as nanorods and nanostars, were fabricated to achieve the optimal GNP-cell interaction. Nanostars demonstrated highest optoporation efficacy with more than 80% of permeabilized cells within the illuminated area. By contrast to common laser techniques, the laser beam scanning method results in cell optoporation within a controllable programmed in advance irradiated area.