Laser-induced explosion of gold nanoparticles: potential role for nanophotothermolysis of cancer

Aims: This article explores the laser-induced explosion of absorbing nanoparticles in selective nanophotothermolysis of cancer. Methods: This is realized through fast overheating of a strongly absorbing target during the time of a short laser pulse when the influence of heat diffusion is minimal. Results: On the basis of simple energy balance, it is found that the threshold laser fluence for thermal explosion of different gold nanoparticles is in the range of 25-40 mJ/cm(2). Conclusion: Explosion of nanoparticles may be accompanied by optical plasma, generation of shock waves with supersonic expansion and particle fragmentation with fragments of high kinetic energy, all of which can contribute to the killing of cancer cells.