Subcellular Localization of Gold Nanorods in Cancerous Cells

Abstract

Gold nanorods (GNRs) have the potential for cancer treatment as tumor-targeting photosensitizers due to their strong absorption of near-infrared light. The purpose of this project is to study the subcellular localization of GNRs in cancerous cells to optimize cancer treatment using irradiation at appropriate wavelength. Subcellular localization of gold nanorods has been shown to have a significant impact on the viability and morphology of cancer cells as well as retention or exclusion of GNRs. Our goal is to gain a comprehensive understanding of native and functionalized GNRs in order to develop safe and effective clinical applications for gold nanorods in laser treatment of cancers.