(599f) Optimization of Synthetic Methods for Preparing Polypeptide-Gold Nanorods Plasmonic Matrices As Potential Therapeutic Systems

Gold nanoparticles have been extensively investigated as potential theranostics due to their plasmonic properties (e.g. localized surface plasmon resonance or LSPR), biocompatibility, multiple imaging modalities and ease of surface functionalization. Interfacing gold nanorods (GNRs) with biological polymers can lead to smart materials with several applications in biosensing, regenerative medicine and therapeutic systems. In this study we describe “plasmonic matrices” generated using cross-linking of cysteine-containing elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) and gold nanorods (GNRs) at physiological temperature (37 °C). Extensive cross-linking between the polypeptide and nanorods leads to the formation of plasmonic ELP-GNR matrices. Extensive investigations into matrix formation included elucidation of the role of nanoparticle concentration, electromagnetic radiation, and presence of cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) surfactant, crucial to synthesis of gold nanorods. Biologically active molecules (e.g. chemotherapeutic drugs and DNA) were entrapped in the cross-linked GNR-polypeptide network. The photothermal property of the plasmonic matrix, combined with the thermal responsive property of the polypeptide, was employed in order to induce release of the entrapped molecules. Ongoing studies indicate the promise of these plasmonic matrices for combination treatment in cancer and for microarray applications in drug discovery.