Calixarene-coated gold nanorods as robust photothermal agents

Abstract

Gold nanorods (AuNRs) hold considerable promise for their use in biomedical applications, notably in the context of photothermal therapy (PTT). Yet, their anisotropic nature presents a notable hurdle. Under laser irradiation, these structures are prone to deformation, leading to changes in their optical and photothermal properties over time. To overcome this challenge, an efficient strategy involving the use of calix[4]arene-tetradiazonium salts for stabilizing AuNRs has been implemented. These molecular platforms are capable of irreversible grafting onto surfaces through the reduction of their diazonium groups, thereby resulting in the formation of exceedingly robust organic monolayers. This innovative coating strategy not only ensures enduring stability but also facilitates conjugation of AuNRs. This study showcases the superiority of these fortified AuNRs over conventional counterparts, notably exhibiting exceptional resilience even under sustained laser exposure in the context of PTT. By bolstering the stability and reliability of AuNRs in PTT, our approach holds the potential to drive significant advancements in the field.