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Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have garnered immense attention in recent years due to their outstanding optoelectronic properties and cost-effective fabrication methods, establishing them as promising candidates for next-generation photovoltaic technologies. Among the diverse strategies aimed at enhancing the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of PSCs, the incorporation of plasmonic nanoparticles has emerged as a pioneering approach. This review summarizes the latest research advancements in the utilization of plasmonic nanoparticles to enhance the performance of PSCs. We delve into the fundamental principles of plasmonic resonance and its interaction with perovskite materials, highlighting how localized surface plasmons can effectively broaden light absorption, facilitate hot-electron transfer (HET), and optimize charge separation dynamics. Recent strategies, including the design of tailored metal nanoparticles (MNPs), gratings, and hybrid plasmonic–photonic architectures, are critically evaluated for their efficacy in enhancing light trapping, increasing photocurrent, and mitigating charge recombination. Additionally, this review addresses the challenges associated with the integration of plasmonic elements into PSCs, including issues of scalability, compatibility, and cost-effectiveness. Finally, the review provides insights into future research directions aimed at advancing the field, thereby paving the way for next-generation, high-performance perovskite-based photovoltaic technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of a stable, non‐toxic material that emits electrons following absorption of visible light may have a major impact on the solar photocatalysis of difficult reactions such as CO2 and N2 reduction, as well as for targeted chemical transformations in general. Diamond is a good candidate, however it is a wide bandgap material requiring deep UV photons ( λ ${{\rm{{\rm \lambda} }}}$ <227 nm) to promote electrons from the valence band into the conduction band. Embedding silver nanoparticles under the diamond surface allows the photoconductivity of the diamond in the spectral region of the surface plasmon resonance to be increased, while also leading to an enhancement of visible light photoemission. Considering the low intensity of the light sources used in this work and the spectral properties of the enhanced photoconductivity and photoemission a mechanism based on plasmonically enhanced photoconductivity which in turn allows surface states emptied by photoemission to be recharged thus leading to enhanced photoemission in the visible range is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) conventionally occurs at the interface of a thin metallic film and an external dielectric medium in fiber optics through core‐guided light. However, this work introduces theoretical and experimental evidence suggesting that the SPR in optical fibers can also be induced through light scattering from Au nanoparticles (NPs) on the thin metallic film, defined as nanoparticle‐induced SPR (NPI‐SPR). This method adheres to phase‐matching conditions between SPR dispersion curves and the wave vectors of scattered light from Au NPs. Experimentally, these conditions are met on an etched optical fiber, enabling direct interaction between light and immobilized Au NPs. Compared to SPR, NPI‐SPR exhibits stronger field intensity in the external region and wavelength tuning capabilities (750 to 1250 nm) by varying Au NP diameters (20 to 90 nm). NPI‐SPR demonstrates refractive index sensitivities of 4000 to 4416 nm per refractive index unit, nearly double those of typical SPR using the same optical fiber configuration sans Au NPs. Additionally, NPI‐SPR fiber configuration has demonstrated its applicability for developing biosensors, achieving a remarkable limit of detection of 0.004 nm for thrombin protein evaluation, a twenty‐fold enhancement compared to typical SPR. These findings underscore the intrinsic advantages of NPI‐SPR for sensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperthermia plays a significant role in cancer treatment by inducing cell damage through temperature elevation, often used alongside other treatment modalities. During hyperthermia therapy, temperature control is crucial. Here, we report on a simple synthesis route of hybrid plasmonic nanodiamonds either completely wrapped with an Au shell (NV@Au) or densely covered with Au NPs (NV@SiO2@Au). Such integration of nanodiamonds with Au NPs is advantageous both for heating and precise thermometry at nanoscale. After structural and optical investigations, heating abilities of the obtained plasmonic nanodiamonds were thoroughly inspected on glass, in association with living cells, and in tissue slices ex vivo, revealing their effective heat generation under excitation with light using a single excitation source. The developed hybrid plasmonic nanodiamonds were finally applied for local photothermal therapy of melanoma in vivo, demonstrating their efficacy in eradicating cancer cells and monitoring temperature during the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Treating lung and prostate cancer cells is a major health problem that may be solved through the interactions of laser beams with nanoparticles. In the paper, Au-H2Ti3O7 nanotubes (NTs) are proposed as a treatment agent and the interactions of different laser beams with the nanostructure are considered to solve the mentioned health problem. Also, the NTs are employed to treat the cancers in dark conditions. The results are motivating because Au-H2Ti3O7 NPs do not affect healthy cells, while they strongly affect cancer cells, and the viability percentage of LNCap cells reaches 16% for incubation times of 48 h. Furthermore, treating LNCap cells using the irradiated Au-H2Ti3O7 NTs by NIR beam at 808 nm has no cytotoxicity, while cytotoxicity of 92% is obtained using an irradiation laser beam at 532 nm. Also, applying the laser beam at 635 nm to the NTs leads to a cytotoxicity of ∼53% in lung cancer (A549 cells). In total, the Au-H2Ti3O7 NTs have a selective effect on cancer cells and greatly reduce the viability in the given dark and irradiation conditions, leading to the introduction of them as a promising agent for the non-invasive treatment of prostate cancer and a moderate candidate for lung cancer therapy.

Plasmonic nanoparticles have been intensely used in research because they possess powerful optical properties. Gold nanorods (Au NRs), in particular, feature the interesting ability to absorb and scatter light in the near-infrared region through their longitudinal localized surface plasmon resonance. This property is particularly interesting in biology because these wavelengths are associated with maximum tissue penetration. The interplay between plasmonic nanoparticles and fluorophores has also triggered exciting research. Specifically, illuminating the Au NRs produces an enhanced electromagnetic field in the vicinity of the particles. This allows nearby fluorophores to feature enhanced optical properties through a phenomenon known as surface-enhanced fluorescence. This effect, however, must be counterbalanced by potential quenching that can happen from the Au NRs to the fluorophore. Systems have been developed whereby a spacer layer insulates the Au NR from the fluorophore. Multiple studies have explored different materials to use as the spacer layer such as silica or polyelectrolyte multilayers. Many of these studies have also investigated the optimal spacer thickness for achieving maximum enhancement. This review summarizes and provides an outlook on important developments in this field that have been reported in the last 10 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoscale metal–organic frameworks (NMOFs) exhibit unique properties for drug delivery, including ultrahigh storage capabilities, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and sustained release of encapsulated cargo. However, due to their localized electronic states, MOFs are nonresponsive to external stimuli such as light or magnetic fields. This study investigates the integration of light‐responsive nanoantennas into NMOFs to enhance their application as smart drug delivery nanosystems. By integrating gold bipyramid nanoantennas within ZIF‐8 and NU‐1000 NMOFs, core@shell nanosystems are created with photothermal capabilities. Utilizing cresyl violet as a model drug, the loading and release dynamics of these nanosystems are analyzed, demonstrating controlled drug release under near‐infrared (NIR) light stimulation. Photothermal release studies conducted in living cells reveal the potential of these nanocomposites for spatiotemporal targeted, light‐activated drug delivery. Further evaluation of the NU‐1000 nanocomposite loaded with chemotherapeutics—doxorubicin, carboplatin, and oxaliplatin—in both 2D and 3D cell cultures shows the nanosystem effectiveness in cell internalization and therapeutic NIR activation. The findings demonstrate that the incorporation of stimuli‐responsive elements into NMOFs offers a promising approach for developing advanced drug delivery platforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The luminescent nature of plasmonic nanoparticles (NPs) has been intensively investigated in recent years. Plasmon-enhanced electronic Raman scattering and the radiation channels of metallic photoluminescence (PL) involving conventional carrier recombinations and emergent particle plasmons are proposed in the past few decades but largely limited to weak excitation regimes. Here, we systematically examine the PL evolution of plasmonic NPs under different excitation power levels. The spectral resonances and chromaticity of PL are investigated within and beyond the scope of geometry conservation. Results indicate the nature of PL in plasmonic NPs could be a process of graybody radiation, including one factor of plasmonic emissivity in the weak excitation regime and the other factor of blackbody radiation in the strong excitation regime. This comprehensive analysis provides a fundamental understanding of the luminescent nature of plasmonic NPs and highlights their potential applications in transient temperature detection at the nanometer scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By introducing a novel photothermal radiator that effectively harnesses diffused light through plasmonic Fe3O4@Cu2−xS nanoparticles, it is sought to offer a sustainable solution for maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures without heavy reliance on traditional solar sources. The approach involves the use of ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) lights to photothermally activate transparent Fe3O4@Cu2−xS thin films, showcasing a proactive strategy to optimize energy capture even in low‐light scenarios such as cloudy days or nighttime hours. This innovative technology carries immense potential for energy‐neutral buildings, paving the way to reduce dependence on external energy grids and promoting a more sustainable future for indoor heating and comfort control. The developed photothermal radiator incorporates multiple transparent thin films infused with plasmonic Fe3O4@Cu2−xS nanoparticles, known for their robust UV and IR absorptions driven by localized surface plasmon resonance. Through the application of UV and IR lights, these thin films efficiently convert incident photons into thermal energy. The experiments within a specially constructed diffused light photothermal box, designed to simulate indoor environments, demonstrate the system's capability to raise temperatures above 50 °C effectively. This pioneering photothermal radiator offers a promising pathway for sustainable heat generation in indoor spaces, harnessing ubiquitous diffused light sources to enhance energy efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), a surfactant commonly used in the synthesis of gold nanorods (AuNR), presents challenges owing to cytotoxicity in biological applications, limiting their biomedical applicability, particularly in cancer therapy. This study introduces a straightforward methodology for the effective removal of CTAB by utilizing a combination of ligand replacement and surface bioconjugation processes that efficiently eliminates CTAB and simultaneously functionalizes nanorods with hyaluronic acid (HA) to enhance biocompatibility and introduce targeting capabilities toward cancer cells. The surface chemistry modification of CTAB-capped and CTAB-free AuNR, before and after the functionalization with HA, was scrutinized by UV–visible, surfaceenhanced Raman scattering (SERS), attenuated total reflectance (ATR) Fouriertransform infrared (FTIR), and X-ray photoelectron (XPS) spectroscopies. The surface charge, size, and morphology of the different plasmonic nanoparticles were characterized by zeta potential, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The photothermal response was assessed by laser irradiation and thermal camera measurements. Proof-ofwork in vitro cellular experiments of cytotoxicity and oxidative stress were carried out on prostate cancer cells, PC-3, overexpressing the CD44 cell surface receptor specifically recognized by HA, in comparison with the CD44- negative murine fibroblasts (3T3 cell line) by MTT and MitoSOX assays, respectively. Cellular uptake and organelle alteration were scrutinized by confocal laser scanning microscopy (LSM), while the perturbative effects on cell migration were studied by optical microscopy (wound scratch assay). The study’s findings offer a promising pathway to tune the gold nanorod properties in cancer treatment by reducing cytotoxicity and enhancing targeted therapeutic efficacy, as well as in the control of scar tissue formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The limitations of conventional template‐based methods for the deposition of nanoparticle assemblies into defined patterns on solid substrates call for the development of techniques that do not require templates or lithographic masks. The use of optically‐induced thermal gradients to drive the migration of colloids toward or away from a laser spot, known as opto‐thermophoresis, has shown promise for the low‐power trapping and optical manipulation of a variety of colloidal species. However, the printing of colloids using this technique has so far not been established. Herein, a method for the optically directed printing of noble metal nanoparticles, specifically gold nanospheres is reported. The thermophoresis of the polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone and gold nanospheres toward a laser spot led to the deposition of nanoparticle aggregates, capable of serving as surface‐enhanced Raman scattering substrates. The influence of heating laser power and the concentrations of polymer, salt, and surfactant on the nanoparticle deposition rate and structure of the printed pattern are studied, showing that a variety of conditions can permit printing, suggesting facile generalization to different nanoparticle compositions, sizes, and shapes. These findings will greatly benefit future efforts for directed nanoparticle assembly, and drive applications in sensing, photothermal heating, and relevant applications in biomedicine and devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, direct absorption solar collector (DASC) system has emerged a new class of solar collectors with much improved solar thermal conversion potential over conventional surface-based absorption solar collectors. Further, introducing noble metallic particles like Ag, Au, Al, TiN, or Cu (at nano ranges) in the working fluids enhanced the optical properties of the working fluid and hence the overall thermal performance of such DASC systems. However, these novel thermal systems are prone to high emissive and radiative losses at high-temperature ranges. Additionally, the nanoparticles used in the working fluid are expensive, toxic after use, complex to synthesize, and mostly non-biodegradable. In the present study, a medium-flux asymmetric compound parabolic concentrator (ACPC) based concentrating DASC system has been tested over clear sky days in the months of September and October, 2022 at the composite climate of Jalandhar (latitude 31.25 deg N, longitude 75.44 deg E), India. A hybrid heat transfer fluid is prepared using Azadirachta Indica leaves' extract and blended with gold plasmonic nanoparticles (Au nanoparticles of mean sizes ~ 40 nm, mass fraction ~ 4 ppm) to improve the overall thermal performance of the concentrating DASC system. Stored energy fraction of hybrid heat transfer fluid at a depth of 2 cm reached about 74.9%, which is about 67% higher than base fluid water. The outdoor experiments showed that hybrid heat transfer fluid had about 10.4 °C higher temperature gains in concentrating DASC system, and the photo-thermal efficiency was enhanced up to 40% as compared to base fluid water. The study demonstrates the advantage of an eco-friendly, low cost, and highly stable hybrid heat transfer fluid as a potential candidate for a medium-flux DASC system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Throughout the central nervous system, the spinal cord plays a very important role, namely, transmitting sensory and motor information inwardly so that it can be processed by the brain. There are many different ways this structure can be damaged, such as through traumatic injury or surgery, such as scoliosis correction, for instance. Consequently, damage may be caused to the nervous system as a result of this. There is no doubt that optical devices such as microscopes and cameras can have a significant impact on research, diagnosis, and treatment planning for patients with spinal cord injuries (SCIs). Additionally, these technologies contribute a great deal to our understanding of these injuries, and they are also essential in enhancing the quality of life of individuals with spinal cord injuries. Through increasingly powerful, accurate, and minimally invasive technologies that have been developed over the last decade or so, several new optical devices have been introduced that are capable of improving the accuracy of SCI diagnosis and treatment and promoting a better quality of life after surgery. We aim in this paper to present a timely overview of the various research fields that have been conducted on optical devices that can be used to diagnose spinal cord injuries as well as to manage the associated health complications that affected individuals may experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed an unconventional seed-mediated in situ synthetic method, whereby gold nanostars are formed directly on the internal walls of microfluidic reactors. The dense plasmonic substrate coatings were grown in microfluidic channels with different geometries to elucidate the impacts of flow rate and profile on reagent consumption, product morphology, and density. Nanostar growth was found to occur in the flow-limited regime and our results highlight the possibility of creating shape gradients or incorporating multiple morphologies in the same microreactor, which is challenging to achieve with traditional self-assembly. The plasmonic-microfluidic platforms developed herein have implications for a broad range of applications, including cell culture/sorting, catalysis, sensing, and drug/gene delivery.

Tailorable chiral plasmonic nanostructures have attracted great interest due to their potential applications in photonics and sensing. However, there are limited straightforward fabrication routes to modulate the morphology of chiral materials with an external stimulus. Here, a helical assembly of gold nanospheres (AuNSs) is successfully obtained via self‐assembly using glycopeptide helical nanofibers as templates based on electrostatic interactions. The assembly morphology can be readily tailored from short debris to single‐/double‐ and multiple helical threads by changing pHs, resulting in well‐controlled modulation of circular dichroism (CD) in the visible range. Further, this tunable assembly and corresponding chiroptical properties are fully reversible in the pH range from 6 to 10. The electromagnetic simulation revealed how the structural geometries of AuNS helices changed the electromagnetic field propagation pattern to facilitate corresponding chiral optical properties. This approach is a unique and facilely obtained example of chiral nanomaterials with in situ tailoring morphology and chiral properties through external stimulus, demonstrating a potential application for biosensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Planar light concentrators are potential applications for solar thermal conversion, in which the intensity of the electric field will exhibit strongly non-uniform characteristics. However, previous research has long ignored the solar absorption performance of plasmonic nanoparticles in the focused electric field. In this work, we use the finite element method (FEM) to study the optical behaviors of a single nanoparticle and multiple nanoparticles in the focused electric field formed by vertically and inwardly imposing the initial incident light on a quarter cylindrical surface. The results show that the focused electric field can significantly improve the solar absorption abilities compared with the parallel one for all the nanoparticles due to the local near-electric field enhancement caused by the aggregation of the free electrons on the smaller zone. Further studies on the focused electric field reveal that the plasmon heating behavior of Au spheres presents a rising trend with the decrease in inter-particle spacing, as the gap is less than the radius of Au spheres. As the number of nanoparticles increases along the focal line, the absorption power of the center nanoparticles gradually tends to be stable, and it is much lower than that of a single nanoparticle. As the nanoparticles are arranged along the y and z directions, the heterogeneity of the electric field makes the optical properties uneven. Notably, the strongest electric field appears slightly close to the incident surface rather than on the focal line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition metal complexes, such as the low‐spin bis (phenylterpyridine) (A) and bis (pyridylterpyrazine)iron (II) (B) complexes, provide didactic chromophore species for demonstrating the Raman, resonance Raman, and the surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) behavior in coordination chemistry, as well as for elucidating the nature of inner‐sphere and outer‐sphere association with plasmonic nanoparticles. Their electrostatically stabilized ion pairs with citrate–gold nanoparticles have been studied in an aqueous solution, from the pronounced changes in the plasmonic band at 540 nm. Complex A, lacking any coordinating site, can only generate outer‐sphere complexes with citrate–gold nanoparticles, but they are stable enough to give a strong SERS response, even at 10−8 M. At 10−6 M, agglomeration accompanies the decrease of the electrostatic repulsion, resulting in a sharp decay of the plasmon resonance band at 540 nm. This is followed by the rise of a plasmon coupling band above 700 nm. However, at 10−4 M, the excess of the complex in the adsorption layer produces a reverse effect, decreasing agglomeration. The observed Raman spectra are essentially similar for the several concentrations employed because the outer‐sphere interaction implies a SERS electromagnetic mechanism. In contrast, complex B exhibits several pyridine and pyrazine N‐atoms available to form inner‐sphere‐associated species. A selective enhancement of the SERS signals is observed at 10−8 M, clearly indicating a chemical mechanism, consistent with a bridging mode. At 10−6 M and above, the agglomeration leads to a plasmon coupling band at 800 nm, while the SERS response indicates a change in the binding modes dictated by the excess of the complexing molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gold nanoclusters (Au NCs) have been attractive photosensitizers for many light-driven catalytic reactions due to their discrete electronic structure in the visible region. However, due to their ultrasmall sizes, they possess low stability; often, metal oxide and mesoporous supports are used to stabilize these nanoclusters. In this study, plasmonic Ag@SiO2 nanotriangle (NT) light antennas are used as supports, and the optical interactions between silver nanotriangles and Au NCs are comprehensively investigated. The Ag@SiO2–Au nanocomposite is synthesized by coating Au NCs on Ag@SiO2 using a branched polyethylenimine (BPEI) linker. Upon coating Au NCs on Ag@SiO2, the photoluminescence (PL) peak of Au NCs also blue-shifts while displaying faster decay in their excited state lifetimes, suggesting that the Ag NTs and Au NCs are optically coupled. To understand these interactions, different amounts of Ag@SiO2 NTs are added to Au NCs, and a decrease in the PL intensity of the Au NCs is observed. Using Stern–Volmer analyses, we reveal that this PL quenching is dynamic, and the energy from Au NCs is resonantly transferred to silver nanotriangles. Further, by employing Ag NTs with different surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peaks, we show that the shift in the Au NCs PL is dependent on the spectral overlap. By varying the SiO2 shell thickness from 7 to 31 nm and keeping the same degree of spectral overlap, we demonstrate that the PL quenching is distance dependent. The PL quenching in samples containing thick SiO2 (∼31 nm) reveals that the quenching occurs beyond the Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) radius (∼20 nm) and suggests that the mechanism involves nanosurface/nanovolume energy transfer (NSET/NVET) that has been previously observed in hybrid plasmonic systems. These hybrid Ag@SiO2–Au nanocomposites have great potential for photocatalytic applications; therefore, a deeper understanding of energy transfer dynamics is critical for their growth in catalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasmonic nanorods exhibit unique optical properties due to their ability to support localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPR). These nanorods are highly valued for applications in sensing, imaging, and medical therapies because of their tunable optical behavior and strong electromagnetic field enhancement. In this study, a seed-mediated approach was utilized to synthesize and purify gold nanorods (GNRs), with a focus on their integration in the LSPR sensor chips. The synthesis was begun with the preparation of small gold nanoparticles as seeds, followed by the growth of nanorods in a carefully controlled environment. UV-visible spectroscopy confirmed the formation of GNRs, revealing two plasmonic peaks, with the transverse peak at 523 nm and the longitudinal peak at 800 nm after 24 hours of aging. Further, the self-assembled monolayer of the GNRs on glass substrate achieved using a thiol-functionalized linker, 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTMS), and ionic strength modulation with NaCl. For optimal stabilization and alignment of the nanorods on the glass substrate, the ideal incubation time for the glass substrates in the colloidal gold nanoparticle solution was determined to be 24 hours. This duration was made the most effective configuration of the LSPR sensor chip, with improved stability and sensitivity for plasmonic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Au trisoctahedrons (TOHs) with sharp tips and high-index facets have exceptional properties for diverse applications, such as plasmon-enhanced spectroscopies, catalysis, sensing, and biomedicine. However, the synthesis of Au TOHs remains challenging, and most reported synthetic methods are time-consuming or involve complex steps, hindering the exploration of their potential applications. Herein, we present a facile and fast approach to prepare Au TOHs with high uniformity and good control over the final size and shape, all within less than 10 min of synthesis, for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and refractive index sensing. The size of the Au TOHs can be easily tailored over a wide range, from 39 to 268 nm, allowing a tuning of the plasmon resonance at wavelengths from visible to near-infrared regions. The exposed facets of the Au TOHs can also be varied by controlling the growth temperatures. The wide tunability of size and exposed facets of Au TOHs can greatly broaden the range of their applications. We have also encapsulated Au TOHs with zeolite imidazolate framework (ZIF-8), obtaining core–shell hybrid structures. With the ability to tune Au TOH size, we further assessed their SERS performances in function of their size by detecting 2-NaT in solution, exhibiting enhancement factors of the order of 105 with higher values when the LSPR is blue-shifted from the laser excitation wavelength. Au TOHs have been also compared for refractive index sensing applications against Au nanospheres, revealing Au TOHs as better candidates. Overall, this facile and fast method for synthesizing Au TOHs with tunable size and exposed facets simplifies the path toward the exploration of properties and applications of this highly symmetrical and high-index nanostructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoscale metal–organic frameworks (NMOFs) exhibit unique properties for drug delivery, including ultrahigh storage capabilities, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and sustained release of encapsulated cargo. However, due to their localized electronic states, MOFs are nonresponsive to external stimuli such as light or magnetic fields. This study investigates the integration of light‐responsive nanoantennas into NMOFs to enhance their application as smart drug delivery nanosystems. By integrating gold bipyramid nanoantennas within ZIF‐8 and NU‐1000 NMOFs, core@shell nanosystems are created with photothermal capabilities. Utilizing cresyl violet as a model drug, the loading and release dynamics of these nanosystems are analyzed, demonstrating controlled drug release under near‐infrared (NIR) light stimulation. Photothermal release studies conducted in living cells reveal the potential of these nanocomposites for spatiotemporal targeted, light‐activated drug delivery. Further evaluation of the NU‐1000 nanocomposite loaded with chemotherapeutics—doxorubicin, carboplatin, and oxaliplatin—in both 2D and 3D cell cultures shows the nanosystem effectiveness in cell internalization and therapeutic NIR activation. The findings demonstrate that the incorporation of stimuli‐responsive elements into NMOFs offers a promising approach for developing advanced drug delivery platforms.

The global burden of colorectal cancer is significant and the limitations of conventional treatments like radiotherapy and chemotherapy require novel approaches to manage the colorectal neoplasia. This review explores the theranostic integration of quantum dots and plasmonic nanoparticles and its potential in overcoming the challenges of diagnosing and treating colorectal neoplasia. Quantum dots (QDs) facilitate fluorescence imaging and targeted delivery, enabling precise detection and localized therapy because of QD’s unique optoelectronic properties. Furthermore, their potential to improve targeted cancer cell destruction while protecting normal tissue can be observed in their utilization in photodynamic therapy. Plasmonic nanoparticles are a non-invasive approach to tumour ablation which induces a photothermal effect by leveraging localized surface plasmon resonance. A theranostic platform that incorporates QDs and plasmonic nanoparticles can provide simultaneous imaging and treatment capabilities, facilitating real-time monitoring of treatment response and improved therapeutic outcomes with minimized side effects. However, QDs and plasmonic nanoparticles have several challenges related to the nanoparticle design, biocompatibility and lack of clinical translation. By overcoming these challenges, the full potential of the theranostic integration can be realized. This review highlights opportunities for further study and development while underscoring the promising role of theranostic integration in transforming the therapy of colorectal neoplasia.

Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), a surfactant commonly used in the synthesis of gold nanorods (AuNR), presents challenges owing to cytotoxicity in biological applications, limiting their biomedical applicability, particularly in cancer therapy. This study introduces a straightforward methodology for the effective removal of CTAB by utilizing a combination of ligand replacement and surface bioconjugation processes that efficiently eliminates CTAB and simultaneously functionalizes nanorods with hyaluronic acid (HA) to enhance biocompatibility and introduce targeting capabilities toward cancer cells. The surface chemistry modification of CTAB-capped and CTAB-free AuNR, before and after the functionalization with HA, was scrutinized by UV–visible, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), attenuated total reflectance (ATR) Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), and X-ray photoelectron (XPS) spectroscopies. The surface charge, size, and morphology of the different plasmonic nanoparticles were characterized by zeta potential, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The photothermal response was assessed by laser irradiation and thermal camera measurements. Proof-of-work in vitro cellular experiments of cytotoxicity and oxidative stress were carried out on prostate cancer cells, PC-3, overexpressing the CD44 cell surface receptor specifically recognized by HA, in comparison with the CD44-negative murine fibroblasts (3T3 cell line) by MTT and MitoSOX assays, respectively. Cellular uptake and organelle alteration were scrutinized by confocal laser scanning microscopy (LSM), while the perturbative effects on cell migration were studied by optical microscopy (wound scratch assay). The study’s findings offer a promising pathway to tune the gold nanorod properties in cancer treatment by reducing cytotoxicity and enhancing targeted therapeutic efficacy, as well as in the control of scar tissue formation.

The ability of Plasmonic nanoparticles (PNPs) to efficiently convert absorbed light energy into localized heat has made them a popular choice for photothermal medical applications. However, during the photothermal process, the diffusion of localized heat can lead to temperature management challenges. To address this issue, researchers have developed a new generation of PNPs incorporating optical phase transition materials, allowing for tunable photothermal responses without altering the geometry. This tunability is achieved through rapid changes in optical and thermal properties during phase transitions. In this study, we conducted a numerical analysis on the photothermal response of a VO2@Au smart nanoshell in both tumor and healthy liver tissue under irradiation with a nanosecond (5 ns) pulsed laser. To obtain the temperature profile, we solved a coupling problem between electromagnetism and thermodynamics.

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have garnered immense attention in recent years due to their outstanding optoelectronic properties and cost-effective fabrication methods, establishing them as promising candidates for next-generation photovoltaic technologies. Among the diverse strategies aimed at enhancing the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of PSCs, the incorporation of plasmonic nanoparticles has emerged as a pioneering approach. This review summarizes the latest research advancements in the utilization of plasmonic nanoparticles to enhance the performance of PSCs. We delve into the fundamental principles of plasmonic resonance and its interaction with perovskite materials, highlighting how localized surface plasmons can effectively broaden light absorption, facilitate hot-electron transfer (HET), and optimize charge separation dynamics. Recent strategies, including the design of tailored metal nanoparticles (MNPs), gratings, and hybrid plasmonic–photonic architectures, are critically evaluated for their efficacy in enhancing light trapping, increasing photocurrent, and mitigating charge recombination. Additionally, this review addresses the challenges associated with the integration of plasmonic elements into PSCs, including issues of scalability, compatibility, and cost-effectiveness. Finally, the review provides insights into future research directions aimed at advancing the field, thereby paving the way for next-generation, high-performance perovskite-based photovoltaic technologies.

Secreted proteins mediate essential physiological processes. With conventional assays, it is challenging to map the spatial distribution of proteins secreted by single cells, to study cell-to-cell heterogeneity in secretion, or to detect proteins of low abundance or incipient secretion. Here, we introduce the "FluoroDOT assay," which uses an ultrabright nanoparticle plasmonic-fluor that enables high-resolution imaging of protein secretion. We find that plasmonic-fluors are 16,000-fold brighter, with nearly 30-fold higher signal-to-noise compared with conventional fluorescence labels. We demonstrate high-resolution imaging of different secreted cytokines in the single-plexed and spectrally multiplexed FluoroDOT assay that revealed cellular heterogeneity in secretion of multiple proteins simultaneously. Using diverse biochemical stimuli, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, and a variety of immune cells such as macrophages, dendritic cells (DCs), and DC-T cell co-culture, we demonstrate that the assay is versatile, facile, and widely adaptable for enhancing biological understanding of spatial and temporal dynamics of single-cell secretome.

Ultrafast laser processing possesses unique outlooks for the synthesis of novel nanoarchitectures and their further applications in the field of life science. It allows not only the formation of multi-element nanostructures with tuneable performance but also provides various non-invasive laser-stimulated modalities. In this work, we employed ultrafast laser processing for the manufacturing of silicon–gold nanocomposites (Si/Au NCs) with the Au mass fraction variable from 15% (0.5 min ablation time) to 79% (10 min) which increased their plasmonic efficiency by six times and narrowed the bandgap from 1.55 eV to 1.23 eV. These nanostructures demonstrated a considerable fs laser-stimulated hyperthermia with a Au-dependent heating efficiency (~10–20 °C). The prepared surfactant-free colloidal solutions showed good chemical stability with a decrease (i) of zeta (ξ) potential (from −46 mV to −30 mV) and (ii) of the hydrodynamic size of the nanoparticles (from 104 nm to 52 nm) due to the increase in the laser ablation time from 0.5 min to 10 min. The electrical conductivity of NCs revealed a minimum value (~1.53 µS/cm) at 2 min ablation time while their increasing concentration was saturated (~1012 NPs/mL) at 7 min ablation duration. The formed NCs demonstrated a polycrystalline Au nature regardless of the laser ablation time accompanied with the coexistence of oxidized Au and oxidized Si as well as gold silicide phases at a shorter laser ablation time (<1 min) and the formation of a pristine Au at a longer irradiation. Our findings demonstrate the merged employment of ultrafast laser processing for the design of multi-element NCs with tuneable properties reveal efficient composition-sensitive photo-thermal therapy modality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electron excitations dynamics in spherical Au/SiO 2 core-shell nanoparticles excited by 150 fs laser pulses at wavelength of 400 nm was studied by femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy. It is shown that the electron–phonon and phonon-phonon relaxation times in a nanoparticle increase in the presence of SiO 2 dielectric shell. The obtained transient extinction kinetics of NPs was used to fit the theoretical profile with the relaxation temperature of the excitation dynamics of electron and lattice nanoparticles, as well as their environment under the laser pulses action. The electron–phonon coupling and phonon-phonon relaxation constants for Au/SiO 2 NPs and Au NPs have been established. For Au/SiO 2 core-hell nanoparticles, the electron–phonon coupling constant was γ c o r e / s h e l l = 5 · 10 16 W · m - 3 · K - 1 , and the heat loss constant was h c o r e / s h e l l = 4 · 10 8 W · m - 2 · K - 1 . In the case of gold nanospheres, these constants are γ NPs = 7 · 10 16 W · m - 3 · K - 1 and h NPs = 8 · 10 8 W · m - 2 · K - 1 , respectively. It is concluded that the SiO 2 dielectric shell prevents the defragmentation of the gold core when it reaches the melting point. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A spatial-frequency thin-film filter with inclusions of nanoparticles operating in the visible range of the spectrum is investigated. The effect of nanoparticles embedded in the central and lateral layers of the frustrated total internal reflection filter on the spectral characteristics, considering the frequency dispersion, is investigated. It is shown that plasmonic effects cause the splitting of the filter bandwidth into a set of narrow-band spectral lines and the angular splitting of the incident beam into a set of output beams. It is demonstrated that due to the difference in the resonance conditions for s- and p-polarization waves, the spectral lines of transparency do not coincide, which indicates the possibility of using the filter as a polarizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous experiments have demonstrated improvements on the efficiency of perovskite solar cells by introducing plasmonic nanoparticles, however, the underlying mechanisms are still not clear: the particles may enhance light absorption and scattering, as well as charge separation and transfer, or the perovskite's crystalline quality. Eventually, it can still be debated whether unambiguous plasmonic increase of light absorption has indeed been achieved. Here, various optical models are employed to provide a physical understanding of the relevant parameters in plasmonic perovskite cells and the conditions under which light absorption may be enhanced by plasmonic mechanisms. By applying the recent generalized Mie theory to gold nanospheres in perovskite, it is shown that their plasmon resonance is conveniently located in the 650–800 nm wavelength range, where absorption enhancement is most needed. It is evaluated for which active layer thickness and nanoparticle concentration a significant enhancement can be expected. Finally, the experimental literature on plasmonic perovskite solar cells is analyzed in light of this theoretical description. It is estimated that only a tiny portion of these reports can be associated with light absorption and point out the importance of reporting the perovskite thickness and nanoparticle concentration in order to assess the presence of plasmonic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrosphere pollution by organic pollutants of different nature (persistent dyes, phenols, herbicides, antibiotics, etc.) is one of the urgent ecological problems facing humankind these days. The task of water purification from such pollutants can be effectively solved with the help of modern photocatalytic technologies. This article is devoted to the study of photocatalytic properties of composite catalysts based on ZnO modified with plasmonic Ag nanoparticles. All materials were obtained by laser synthesis in liquid and differed by their silver content and preparation conditions, such as additional laser irradiation and/or annealing of produced powders. The prepared ZnO-Ag powders were investigated by electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and UV-Vis spectroscopy. Photocatalytic tests were carried out with well- known test molecules in water (persistent dye rhodamine B, phenol and common antibiotic tetracycline) using LED light sources with wavelengths of 375 and 410 nm. The introduction of small concentrations (up to 1%) of plasmonic Ag nanoparticles is shown to increase the efficiency of the ZnO photocatalyst by expanding its spectral range. Both the preparation conditions and material composition were optimized to obtain composite photocatalysts with the highest efficiency. Finally, the operation mechanisms of the material with different distribution of silver are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systematic optimization of the photocatalyst and investigation of the role of each component is important to maximizing catalytic activity and comprehending the photocatalytic conversion of CO2 reduction to solar fuels. A surface‐modified Ag@Ru‐P25 photocatalyst with H2O2 treatment was designed in this study to convert CO2 and H2O vapor into highly selective CH4. Ru doping followed by Ag nanoparticles (NPs) cocatalyst deposition on P25 (TiO2) enhances visible light absorption and charge separation, whereas H2O2 treatment modifies the surface of the photocatalyst with hydroxyl (–OH) groups and promotes CO2 adsorption. High‐resonance transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure, and extended X‐ray absorption fine structure techniques were used to analyze the surface and chemical composition of the photocatalyst, while thermogravimetric analysis, CO2 adsorption isotherm, and temperature programmed desorption study were performed to examine the significance of H2O2 treatment in increasing CO2 reduction activity. The optimized Ag1.0@Ru1.0‐P25 photocatalyst performed excellent CO2 reduction activity into CO, CH4, and C2H6 with a ~95% selectivity of CH4, where the activity was ~135 times higher than that of pristine TiO2 (P25). For the first time, this work explored the effect of H2O2 treatment on the photocatalyst that dramatically increases CO2 reduction activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultrasmall gold nanoparticles (NPs) have revolutionized nanotechnology as they are an excellent starting substrate for the synthesis of organic‐inorganic hybrid materials with photonic or energy conversion applications, often with a responsive nature. However, ultrasmall NPs do not sustain plasmonic resonances, preventing their use in plasmon‐related applications. In the presented work, we show a method of chemical modification of ultrasmall gold nanoparticles in order to fabricate dynamically controlled plasmonic thin films. For this purpose, we used the Anti‐Galvanic Reduction process (AGR) to modify the surface of small gold nanoparticles, inducing plasmonic properties without notable size increases. Au@Ag NPs are then modified with liquid crystal‐like organic ligands. The obtained NPs can assemble into densely packed films with long‐range order and temperature‐dependent structural properties. Namely, we detect two, fully reversible phase transitions between the hexagonal and cubic symmetries. The combination of AGR and organic surface modifications enabled us to demonstrate the possibility of managing plasmonic properties in the thin film of ~2 nm diameter metallic NPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The constantly growing global demand for clean energy forces the development of technologiesproducing efficient and renewable energy sources. One direction of development is thin-film photovoltaicsystems that allow for the efficient conversion of solar energy to electrical or chemical energy andtheir usage in production of hydrogen, which is one of the most promising elements for storing greenenergy. The efficiency of photovoltaic systems is determined, among others factors, by properties ofa semiconductor in which light is absorbed and electron-hole pairs are generated. The efficiency ofthis process can be increased by using surface plasmon resonance induced on metallic nanoparticleslocated on the surface or inside the active material. Collective oscillations of the electron plasma excitedin the nanoparticle lead to trapping and enhancement of the electromagnetic field, which, resonantlyscattered to the active layer, increases the absorption in the cell. The selection of the material, size andshape of the nanoparticles allows spectral tuning of the absorption in the system. This study aims toimprove the efficiency of electrochemical cells with copper oxide electrodes by incorporating silvernanoparticles doped with palladium. The nanoparticles were prepared using physical vapour deposition.The fabricated structures were optically characterised by spectrophotometry and SE M microscopy.The conducted research demonstrates an increase in cell efficiency depending on the shape and sizeof the applied nanoparticles. The best results were obtained for systems subjected to post-depositionannealing, resulting in improved chemical stability and optical response of nanoparticles.Keywords: plasmonics, photoelectrochemical cells, plasmonic nanoparticles

Throughout the central nervous system, the spinal cord plays a very important role, namely, transmitting sensory and motor information inwardly so that it can be processed by the brain. There are many different ways this structure can be damaged, such as through traumatic injury or surgery, such as scoliosis correction, for instance. Consequently, damage may be caused to the nervous system as a result of this. There is no doubt that optical devices such as microscopes and cameras can have a significant impact on research, diagnosis, and treatment planning for patients with spinal cord injuries (SCIs). Additionally, these technologies contribute a great deal to our understanding of these injuries, and they are also essential in enhancing the quality of life of individuals with spinal cord injuries. Through increasingly powerful, accurate, and minimally invasive technologies that have been developed over the last decade or so, several new optical devices have been introduced that are capable of improving the accuracy of SCI diagnosis and treatment and promoting a better quality of life after surgery. We aim in this paper to present a timely overview of the various research fields that have been conducted on optical devices that can be used to diagnose spinal cord injuries as well as to manage the associated health complications that affected individuals may experience.

Abstract Background Spatiotemporal regulation is one of the major considerations for developing a controlled and targeted drug delivery system to treat diseases efficiently. Light-responsive plasmonic nanostructures take advantage due to their tunable optical and photothermal properties by changing size, shape, and spatial arrangement. Results In this study, self-integrated plasmonic hybrid nanogels (PHNs) are developed for spatiotemporally controllable drug delivery through light-driven conformational change and photothermally-boosted endosomal escape. PHNs are easily synthesized through the simultaneous integration of gold nanoparticles (GNPs), thermo-responsive poly (N-isopropyl acrylamide), and linker molecules during polymerization. Wave-optic simulations reveal that the size of the PHNs and the density of the integrated GNPs are crucial factors in modulating photothermal conversion. Several linkers with varying molecular weights are inserted for the optimal PHNs, and the alginate-linked PHN (A-PHN) achieves more than twofold enhanced heat conversion compared with others. Since light-mediated conformational changes occur transiently, drug delivery is achieved in a spatiotemporally controlled manner. Furthermore, light-induced heat generation from cellular internalized A-PHNs enables pinpoint cytosolic delivery through the endosomal rupture. Finally, the deeper penetration for the enhanced delivery efficiency by A-PHNs is validated using multicellular spheroid. Conclusion This study offers a strategy for synthesizing light-responsive nanocarriers and an in-depth understanding of light-modulated site-specific drug delivery. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Numerous experiments have demonstrated improvements on the efficiency of perovskite solar cells by introducing plasmonic nanoparticles, however, the underlying mechanisms are still not clear: the particles may enhance light absorption and scattering, as well as charge separation and transfer, or the perovskite's crystalline quality. Eventually, it can still be debated whether unambiguous plasmonic increase of light absorption has indeed been achieved. Here, various optical models are employed to provide a physical understanding of the relevant parameters in plasmonic perovskite cells and the conditions under which light absorption may be enhanced by plasmonic mechanisms. By applying the recent generalized Mie theory to gold nanospheres in perovskite, it is shown that their plasmon resonance is conveniently located in the 650–800 nm wavelength range, where absorption enhancement is most needed. It is evaluated for which active layer thickness and nanoparticle concentration a significant enhancement can be expected. Finally, the experimental literature on plasmonic perovskite solar cells is analyzed in light of this theoretical description. It is estimated that only a tiny portion of these reports can be associated with light absorption and point out the importance of reporting the perovskite thickness and nanoparticle concentration in order to assess the presence of plasmonic effects.

Abstract Systematic optimization of the photocatalyst and investigation of the role of each component is important to maximizing catalytic activity and comprehending the photocatalytic conversion of CO2 reduction to solar fuels. A surface‐modified Ag@Ru‐P25 photocatalyst with H2O2 treatment was designed in this study to convert CO2 and H2O vapor into highly selective CH4. Ru doping followed by Ag nanoparticles (NPs) cocatalyst deposition on P25 (TiO2) enhances visible light absorption and charge separation, whereas H2O2 treatment modifies the surface of the photocatalyst with hydroxyl (–OH) groups and promotes CO2 adsorption. High‐resonance transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure, and extended X‐ray absorption fine structure techniques were used to analyze the surface and chemical composition of the photocatalyst, while thermogravimetric analysis, CO2 adsorption isotherm, and temperature programmed desorption study were performed to examine the significance of H2O2 treatment in increasing CO2 reduction activity. The optimized Ag1.0@Ru1.0‐P25 photocatalyst performed excellent CO2 reduction activity into CO, CH4, and C2H6 with a ~95% selectivity of CH4, where the activity was ~135 times higher than that of pristine TiO2 (P25). For the first time, this work explored the effect of H2O2 treatment on the photocatalyst that dramatically increases CO2 reduction activity.

Thin-film photovoltaic (PV) technology offers an economically viable and flexible way to harness solar energy. Using a material that absorbs more solar light than silicon significantly reduces material consumption and costs. Solar cells based on the kesterite mineral structure and its alloys stand out from other thin-film solar cells due to their earth-abundance and non-toxicity. Incorporating plasmonic nanoparticles in the kesterite absorber layer opens a promising path of enhancing light trapping efficiency. Again, the main losses in solar cells result from the incomplete utilization of the solar spectrum. The otherwise unused sub-bandgap photons can be utilized by adding an upconverting layer on a solar cell. This paper demonstrates a theoretical design and performance analysis of a high-efficiency kesterite solar cell by incorporating titanium nitride (TiN) plasmonic bowtie nanoparticles (NPs) and an upconverter layer. We compared the optical characteristics of various shapes and sizes of nanoparticles to find the optimum solar cell efficiency. The 100 nm thick bowtie-shaped NP had the highest power conversion efficiency, η of 24.80% and had the open circuit voltage Voc=0.59V, and short circuit current density, Jsc = 45.43 mA/cm2. The absorbed power for bowtie-shaped TiN NP incorporation enhanced the average absorption from ∼61% to ∼88% for the kesterite layer. For 100 nm thickness, the absorption enhancement, g, was greater than 1 for the whole spectral range, and the maximum value was ∼1.2. Incorporating a yttrium aluminum garnet upconverter layer increased the solar cell efficiency to ∼27.44.%.

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) signal transduction has emerged as a powerful technique for ultrasensitive biosensing with a low background in complex media. However, it remains challenging to create PEC biosensors found on stable materials that are easily biofunctionalized. Herein, we report the development of a one-pot synthesis method for TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) decorated with Ag NPs. In this nanomaterial synthesis process, TiO2 NPs are modified with hematoxylin (HTX) dye to achieve enhanced photoreduction and direct nucleation of Ag NPs. The resulting TiO2/HTX/Ag NP heterostructure showed significantly enhanced photocurrent generation, necessary for achieving high sensitivity in PEC biosensing, through the combined effects of plasmon resonance and photoelectron injection. TiO2/HTX/Ag NP is very easily biofunctionalized through thiol–metal complexation. This was taken as an advantage to create a multiplexing PEC microRNA sensor for the analysis of urine samples, which demonstrated a low limit of detection of 172 fM and a high dynamic range of 100 fM–100 nM, while showing a high degree of specificity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Heat is a well-known treatment method for a wide range of diseases. Hyperthermia treatment or intentional overheating of cells is a rapidly developing therapeutic strategy in cancer treatment. All-dielectric nanophotonics has established itself in optical applications, including nanothermometry and optical heating; generally, it involves Mie resonances in nonplasmonic nanoparticles (NPs). However, such nanomaterials do not always provide sufficient heating due to their nonoptimal size distribution after fabrication by nonlithographic approaches. To overcome this limitation, additional steps, such as size-separation of NPs, are required. Another strategy for efficient heating is intelligent integration of plasmonic and all-dielectric nanostructures to develop hybrid nanomaterials with outstanding optical performances, e.g., efficient nanoheaters and nanothermometers. Taking this into account, we report on a simple and accessible approach for the fabrication of hybrid silicon–gold NPs. Their heating abilities are further compared with those of pristine monodispersed Si NPs inside and outside B16–F10 melanoma cells and confirmed by simultaneous nanoscale thermometry. The obtained results show that the obtained hybrid nanomaterials are more efficient nanoheaters even in biological environments, where cell inhomogeneity and deviations of NP sizes make it difficult to exactly meet the critical coupling conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiomyocyte beating rate modulation is required in multiple in vitro assays, and it is usually done by electrical or optogenetic methods. In this work, we developed and characterized a nanoparticle-based, light-controlled platform to modulate the cardiomyocyte beating rate by near-infrared (NIR) controlled plasmonic stimulation and local temperature monitoring by quantum dot (QD) thermometry. For this purpose, gold nanorods (GNRs) acting as plasmonic heaters and silica-coated quantum dots (QDs) as nanothermometers were attached to surfaces used for cardiomyocyte cultures, while the cell electrophysiological activity was visualized by monitoring calcium transients via calcium imaging. Such stimulation methods are highly relevant for in vitro assays where control or synchronization of cell activities is required as well as for thermobiology studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increase in optical absorption in organic solar cells based on poly (3-hexylthiophene): phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (P3HT:PC61BM), is examined in this study utilizing the finite difference time domain method and Lumerical software to evaluate field distribution and light absorption in the active layer in terms of wavelength. The plasmonic impact on the metal surface, as well as the positioning of plasmonic crystals in different areas, as revealed by finding a favorable site for a plasmonic crystal and refining the structure, results in a significant increase in absorption in the optical region. The impact of active layer thickness, the distance between neighboring nanoparticles, and plasmon crystal on the active layer of the polymer solar cell were examined. The proposed triangular, wire, rectangle, and multi-period triangular Ag nanoparticles optical model can explain the optical absorption increase via localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) modes and get a better knowledge of the shape characteristics of Ag nanoparticles, which are crucial in determining the broadband absorption phenomena in plasmonic organic solar cells. When the plasmonic solar cell's power conversion efficiency was compared to that of solar cells without Ag nanoparticles, a significant increase was seen. The strong alternating electromagnetic field around the different plasmonic nanoparticles resulting from the LSPR suggested by the Ag plasmonic nanocrystals increased the intrinsic optical absorption in the active layer P3HT:PC61BM. The short-circuit current varied from 7.3 to 26.9 mA/cm2 based on the photovoltaic characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]