Selective permeabilization of cells by laser irradiated gold nano particles

The strong absorption of gold nanoparticles in the visible spectral range allows the localized generation of heat in a range of only a few tens of a nanometer. Selective destruction of proteins, permeabilization of the plasma membrane and selective killing of cells were shown by this kind of nanoparticle mediated cell surgery (NPCS). Permeabilization was studied systematically in two lymphoma cells lines when gold nanoparticles were bound to the cell membrane by antibodies. Different particle sizes and different pulse energies were used. Transient permeabilization was possible in parameter range, which is slightly below the parameter, which cause cell death. Efficacies of more than 60% were attained under optimal conditions with only 27% cell death. These results show, that a selective transfer of macromolecules across the plasma membrane can be induced by laser irradiated gold nanoparticles.