Trapping of model hydrophobic drug molecules in amphiphilic polymer coated gold nanorods

Ligands adsorbed to the surface of nanoparticles give them their activity and biological identity. This project aims to exchange a potentially harmful ligand, via novel round-trip solvent exchange, with a biologically compatible polymer. When the hydrophobicity of this polymer is tuned, a hydrophobic drug that is typically unstable in water can be stably trapped. Upon external stimulus, NIR laser light in the case of gold nanrods, the polymer and drug is released at a desired location, potentially minimizing side effects in vivo.