[OTHER APPLICATIONS]

There is also a tremendous deal of interest in the application of nanoshells in other fields as well.  Specifically, the scattering properties of nanoshells can be tuned to enhance optical-based imaging modalities.  The scattering based imaging modalities, such as reflectance confocal microscopy and optical coherence tomography could benefit tremendously from nanoshells as contrast agents.  Additionally, nanoshells could be used simultaneously as imaging/treatment contrast agents for tumors.  This dual ability has tremendous potential.^[3]

Based on the concept of selective photothermolysis, a similar strategy has been employed for applying nanoshells to laser welding.  In this scenario, tissue is welded together to close wounds as opposed to sutures.  The concept is very similar to coagulation that is heavily used in surgery.  Heat is used to "melt" tissue and then allowed to solidify as one.  In this case, nanoshells could be used to enhance the conversion of an optical signal to a thermal response instead of using a heat conducting instrument or solder.

The use of nanoshells is also been considered for drug delivery.  The market for drug delivery are always looking for scaffolds that permit controlled drug release.  Scaffolds incorporating nanoshells are envisioned as a way to selectively deliver drugs based on optical cues.  The idea is that an optical signal would allow for controlled thermal degradation of a drug delivery scaffold.^[1]

Nanoshells also have applications in the field of immunoassays and microfluidics.  Immunospecific nanoshells tend to aggregate when exposed to target antigens.  This aggregation changes overall optical properties compared to non-binding nanoshells.  This change in optical properties could be used as a detection mechanism for specific antigens.^[1]

Finally, there is a tremendous deal of work being done on developing different geometries of nanoparticles.  Nanorods, nanodisks, nanorings, nanocups, and nanocubes have all been produced and their value in biomedical applications is being analyzed.^[2]