Methylene Blue-Mediated Photoinactivation of Staphylococcus aureus Assisted by Gold Nanoshells

Gold nanoshells (silica core/gold shell) have fascinating optical extinction spectrum within visible to near infrared range. In this work, we investigate the optical properties of Au nanoshells and evaluate the feasibility of their use on photodynamic therapy. Three dimensional finite element simulation and experimental analyses were explored on the assessment of the localized surface plasmon resonance spectrum and spatial distribution of the electromagnetic field enhancement near metallic nanoshells. In addition, the interaction of Au nanoshells with methylene blue (MB) photosensitizer was appraised, and 3.2—fold metal enhanced single oxygen generation was observed. Lastly, we investigate the effects of MB-mediated photoinactivation on Staphylococcus aureus assisted by gold nanoshells. The use of nanoshells on the photoinactivation procedure reduced 3× the required illumination time for total eradication of bacterial cells. Our results indicate that Au nanoshells are promising candidates to enhance the photodynamic effect on bacterial cells.