Abstract: A plasmonics-active gold nanostar results from the following process: adding citrate stabilized gold seeds to a solution of tetrachloroauric acid (HAuCl4) under acidic conditions; and mixing a silver salt compound and a weak reducing agent simultaneously into the solution of HAuCl4 under conditions such that the plasmonics-active gold nanostar is produced. The plasmonics-active gold nanostar has a size of at least about 30 nm and up to about 80 nm, comprises a plasmon peak in the near-infrared region, comprises an optical label and a bioreceptor, and is a nucleic acid.

Abstract: Plasmonics-active metal nanostars are provided that can be used for treating and detecting cells in a subject. The modes of treatment include a photo-activated drug, which is activated by the photo-response of the nanostar to electromagnetic stimulation; a thermally-activated drug, which is activated by a thermal response of the nanostar to electromagnetic stimulation; and the thermal response of the nanostar itself to electromagnetic stimulation, which may directly or indirectly cause the death of an undesirable cell. Uptake of nanostars by undesirable cells may also aid in detection, by enhancing contrast or otherwise transforming electromagnetic stimulation during imaging.

Abstract: Plasmonics-active nanoprobes are provided for detection of target biomolecules including nucleic acids, proteins, and small molecules. The nucleic acids that can be detected include RNA, DNA, mRNA, microRNA, and small nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The nanoproprobes can be used in vito in sensitive detection methods for diagnosis of diseases and disorders including cancer. Multiplexing can be performed using the nanoprobes such that multiple targets can be detected simultaneously in a single sample. The methods of use of the nanoprobes include detection by a visible color change. The nanoprobes can be used in vivo for treatment of undesireable cells in a subject.

Abstract: Plasmonics-active nanoprobes are provided for detection of target biomolecules including nucleic acids, proteins, and small molecules. The nucleic acids that can be detected include RNA, DNA, mRNA, microRNA, and small nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The nanoproprobes can be used in vito in sensitive detection methods for diagnosis of diseases and disorders including cancer. Multiplexing can be performed using the nanoprobes such that multiple targets can be detected simultaneously in a single sample. The methods of use of the nanoprobes include detection by a visible color change. The nanoprobes can be used in vivo for treatment of undesirable cells in a subject.

Abstract: A polymer-free synthesis method is provided for preparation of monodisperse nanostars. The nanostars can be used for treating and imaging cells in in vivo or ex vivo. The modes of treatment include use of a nanostar modified with a photo-activatable drug, which drug is activated by the photo-response of the nanostar to electromagnetic stimulation; use of a nanostar modified with a thermally-activatable drug, which drug is activated by a thermal response of the nanostar to electromagnetic stimulation; and the thermal response of the nanostar itself to electromagnetic stimulation, which can directly or indirectly cause the death of an undesirable cell.

Abstract: Plasmonics-active metal nanostars are provided that can be used for treating and detecting cells in a subject. The modes of treatment include a photo-activated drug, which is activated by the photo-response of the nanostar to electromagnetic stimulation; a thermally-activated drug, which is activated by a thermal response of the nanostar to electromagnetic stimulation; and the thermal response of the nanostar itself to electromagnetic stimulation, which may directly or indirectly cause the death of an undesirable cell. Uptake of nanostars by undesirable cells may also aid in detection, by enhancing contrast or otherwise transforming electromagnetic stimulation during imaging.

Abstract: Plasmonics-active metal nanostars are provided that can be used for treating and detecting cells in a subject. The modes of treatment include a photo-activated drug, which is activated by the photo-response of the nanostar to electromagnetic stimulation; a thermally-activated drug, which is activated by a thermal response of the nanostar to electromagnetic stimulation; and the thermal response of the nanostar itself to electromagnetic stimulation, which may directly or indirectly cause the death of an undesirable cell. Uptake of nanostars by undesirable cells may also aid in detection, by enhancing contrast or otherwise transforming electromagnetic stimulation during imaging.

Abstract: A polymer-free synthesis method is provided for preparation of monodisperse nanostars. The nanostars can be used for treating and imaging cells in in vivo or ex vivo. The modes of treatment include use of a nanostar modified with a photo-activatable drug, which drug is activated by the photo-response of the nanostar to electromagnetic stimulation; use of a nanostar modified with a thermally-activatable drug, which drug is activated by a thermal response of the nanostar to electromagnetic stimulation; and the thermal response of the nanostar itself to electromagnetic stimulation, which can directly or indirectly cause the death of an undesirable cell.

Abstract: A polymer-free synthesis method is provided for preparation of monodisperse nanostars. The nanostars can be used for treating and imaging cells in in vivo or ex vivo. The modes of treatment include use of a nanostar modified with a photo-activatable drug, which drug is activated by the photo-response of the nanostar to electromagnetic stimulation; use of a nanostar modified with a thermally-activatable drug, which drug is activated by a thermal response of the nanostar to electromagnetic stimulation; and the thermal response of the nanostar itself to electromagnetic stimulation, which can directly or indirectly cause the death of an undesirable cell.

Abstract: Plasmonics-active nanoprobes are provided for detection of target biomolecules including nucleic acids, proteins, and small molecules. The nucleic acids that can be detected include RNA, DNA, mRNA, microRNA, and small nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The nanoproprobes can be used in vito in sensitive detection methods for diagnosis of diseases and disorders including cancer. Multiplexing can be performed using the nanoprobes such that multiple targets can be detected simultaneously in a single sample. The methods of use of the nanoprobes include detection by a visible color change. The nanoprobes can be used in vivo for treatment of undesireable cells in a subject.