Plasmonic nanoparticles such as gold, silver or their alloys are interesting nanomaterials for their applications in therapeutics and diagnostics in nanomedicine. In this presentation, I will present recent developments performed in this field at Polytechnique. A new method for delivering exogenous biomolecules into targeted cells using an ultrafast laser and plasmonic nanoparticles will be presented. The technique of plasmon-mediated laser nanosurgery has been used to effectively perform gene transfection in various living cells and delivery of biomolecules in vivo in animal model for ophthalmic applications. This technology has been also used for locally stimulating neurons to control neuronal activity and cell signaling. Moreover, alloy nanoparticles have been synthesized using an improved seeded-growth approach. These spectrally distinctive plasmonic nanoparticles are used as biomarkers to perform quantitative multiplexed 3D imaging of cells and tissues. Our techniques show promises of innovative tools for basic research in biology and medicine as well as effective alternative technologies that could be adapted to the therapeutic, diagnostic, theranostics tools of the clinic.
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