Fabrication of Gold Nanocages and Cubic Nanoframes for Biomedical Treatment through Etching Nanoboxes

Introduction Because of their small sizes and unique properties, nanomaterials are finding widespread use in studying complex biological systems. Gold nanostructures have been the subject of intensive research because of their unique and tunable surface plasmon resonance (SPR) properties. Because of their biocompatibility and easy surface modification (i.e., using the well-established Au-thiolate chemistry to attach antibodies, polymers or other ligands), Au nanostructures are also being considered for biomedical applications including drug delivery, tissue/tumor imaging and photothermal therapy. Technology description Younan Xia’s laboratory has invented a two-step procedure for producing gold nanocages and cubic nanoframes of 50-100 nm in dimension. By controlling the amount of the etchant added to the nanoboxes, the resultant nanocages display surface Plasmon resonance peaks tunable in the near-infrared region (800-1200 nm). The etching process can be easily controlled to manipulate the morphology and composition of the final product for different purposes. Nanocages with reduced contents of Ag and cubic nanoframes composed of only Au should be highly biocompatible and can be used in drug delivery, photothermal cancer treatment and many other applications. Business Opportunity The global market for nanostructured materials used in biomedical, pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications increased from $170.7 million in 2006 to an estimated $204.6 million in 2007. It should reach $684.4 million by 2012, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27.3%. Intellectual property position This technology is available for licensing. Related Publication(s)
Lu, X. et al, Fabrication of cubic nanocages and nanoframes by dealloying Au/Ag alloy nanoboxes with an aqueous etchant based on Fe(NO3)3 or NH4OH, Nano Lett., 7 (6), 1764 -1769, 2007. For more information on this technology contact:
Bolong Cao, Ph.D. Licensing Officer, Invention Licensing [email protected] 206-685-9348

Type of Offer: Licensing



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