Remote optical switch for localized and selective control of gene interference.

ABSTRACT: Near infrared-absorbing gold nanoplasmonic particles (GNPs) are used as optical switches of gene interference and are remotely controlled using light. We have tuned optical switches to a wavelength where cellular photodamage is minimized. Optical switches are functionalized with double-stranded oligonucleotides. At desired times and at specific intracellular locations, remote optical excitation is used to liberate gene-interfering oligonucleotides. We demonstrate a novel gene-interfering technique offering spatial and temporal control, which is otherwise impossible using conventional gene-interfering techniques.

SUBMITTER: Lee SE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2776650 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature