Plasmonically Modulated Gold Nanostructures for Photothermal Ablation of Bacteria

With the wide utilization of antibiotics, antibiotic-resistant bacteria have been often developed more frequently to cause potential global catastrophic consequences. Emerging photothermal ablation has been attracting extensive research interest for quick/effective eradication of pathogenic bacteria from contaminated surroundings and infected body. In this field, anisotropic gold nanostructures with tunable size/morphologies have been demonstrated to exhibit their outstanding photothermal performance through strong plasmonic absorption of near-infrared (NIR) light, efficient light to heat conversion, and easy surface modification for targeting bacteria. To this end, this review first introduces thermal treatment of infectious diseases followed by photothermal therapy via heat generation on NIR-absorbing gold nanostructures. Then, the usual synthesis and spectral features of diversified gold nanostructures and composites are systematically overviewed with the emphasis on the importance of size, shape, and composition to achieve strong plasmonic absorption in NIR region. Further, the innovated photothermal applications of gold nanostructures are comprehensively demonstrated to combat against bacterial infections, and some constructive suggestions are also discussed to improve photothermal technologies for practical applications.

Automated summary

With the wide use of antibiotics leading to antibiotic-resistant bacteria, the emerging photothermal ablation using anisotropic gold nanostructures has gained significant research interest for combating bacterial infections effectively. This review focuses on the thermal treatment of infectious diseases and photothermal therapy via heat generation on NIR-absorbing gold nanostructures, emphasizing the importance of size, shape, and composition for achieving strong plasmonic absorption in the NIR region. Additionally, the innovative photothermal applications of gold nanostructures are comprehensively discussed, along with suggestions for improving photothermal technologies for practical use.