Abstract:
Rod-shaped gold nanoparticles ('nanorods') have recently attracted widespread attention due to their unique optical properties and facile synthesis. In particular, they can support a longtudinal surface plasmon, which results in suspensions of themhaving a strong extinction peak in the upper visible or near-infrared parts of the spectrum. The position of this peak can be readily tuned by controlling the shape of the rods. In addition, the surface of the nanorods can be functionalised by a very wide variety of molecules. This has led to interest in their use as selctive biomarkers in biodiagnostics or for selective targeting in photothermal therapeutics. Here we review the recent advances in the use of gold nanoparticles in these applications. additionally the information available regarding their biocompatibility in discussed.
