Optically addressable nanostructured capsules

Abstract

The preparation of near-infrared (NIR) responsive capsules based on gold nanoparticle incorporated within a layer-by-layer assembled polyelectrolyte multilayer shell was analyzed. These core-shell structures had tunable plasmon absorption properties in the NIR. It was observed that such optically addressable capsules could release encapsulated biomaterials on demand upon irradiation with short-pulsed laser light. It was also observed that the capsules could be coated with lipid bilayers, which was then functionalized with antibodies in order to impart biorecognition capabilities.