Gold nanostars (AuNSTs) are ideal for integration with microfluidic technologies targeting biological applications due to their shape, high surface area, extinction in the near-infrared, and biocompatibility. We have developed a robust and simple microfluidic method for the direct growth of anisotropic AuNSTs on the internal walls of glass microcapillaries with high surface density and uniformity. The synthesis was optimized to yield AuNSTs with high anisotropy and surface area for optimal light-to-heat conversion upon laser irradiation. The temperature generated within a AuNST-modified microfluidic capillary was measured at variable laser power and in “flow” and “no-flow” conditions, where we found that heat generation is more localized under flow conditions and can be further controlled with varying laser power. Additionally, we performed simultaneous measurement of capillary temperature and surfaceenhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) of molecules bound to the AuNSTs, which enabled correlation of macroscale heating with the nanoscale environment. Finally, the capability of the platform for controlled localized heating was used to explore hyperthermia-assisted detachment of cells adhered to the capillary walls. Ultimately, the primary goal of this work will be to apply these devices for cell-sorting applications, such as cancer cell isolation from blood.

Soft-release of captured cells via plasmonic gold nanostars

2019 Fall National Meeting

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