Pulsed Laser-Mediated Phototherapeutic Mechanisms for Biomedical Applications

Plasmonics has recently facilitated promising developments in the fields of energy, optics, biology, and medicine. Plasmonic nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted a lot of attention in the past few decades due to their highly tunable optical sensitivity and ability to change properties with an external light source. The non-radiative conversion of electromagnetic (EM) radiation into heat energy and acoustic vibrations by plasmonic nanostructures has triggered strong interest due to the wide range of potential applications, particularly in the field of biotechnology and biomedicine. Fundamental properties of plasmonic NPs must be better understood and regulated to realise their full potential for their clinical applications such as photo-based diagnosis and treatment. The theory and physics of plasmonic photothermal and photoacoustic conversions are introduced initially, followed by a discussion of methods to enhance efficiency by modifying optical parameters—the focus of this chapter. Furthermore, recent applications are used to determine how plasmonic NPs can be tuned to give maximum output based on the requirements of the application. Overall, this chapter summarizes recent advances in understanding the principles of plasmonic NPs, their applications in biomedicine and biotechnology, and potential future avenues.