Fluorescent nanothermometers provide controlled plasmonic-mediated intracellular hyperthermia

Aim: This article demonstrates how controlled hyperthermia at the cellular level can be achieved. Materials & methods: The method is based on the simultaneous intracellular incorporation of fluorescence nanothermometers (CdSe quantum dots) and metallic nanoheaters (gold nanorods). Results: Real-time spectral analysis of the quantum dot emission provides a detailed feedback about the intracellular thermal loading caused by gold nanorods excited at the plasmon frequency. Based on this approach, thermal dosimetry is assessed in such a way that the infrared laser (heating) power required to achieve catastrophic intracellular temperature increments in cancer cells is identified. Conclusions: This pure optical method emerges as a new and promising guide for the development of infrared hyperthermia therapies with minimal invasiveness. Original submitted 6 March 2012; Revised submitted 3 July 2012; Published online 2 December 2012