Contribution of Polylactic Acid and Pd Nanoparticles in the Enhanced Photothermal Effect of Carbon Nanotubes

Abstract

AbstractThe carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been successfully modified to absorb in near‐infrared (NIR) region by synergetic functionalization with an important biopolymer, polylactic acid (PLA) and subsequent in‐situ deposition of Pd nanoparticles. This process has also extended the absorption ability of Pd nanoparticles towards NIR region apart from its classical absorption in UV and visible regions. Thus fabricated CNTs‐PLA‐Pd demonstrated excellent photothermal effect under exposure to 980 nm laser and significant stability against photo‐bleaching and corrosiveness. A stepwise increment in the photothermal effect of CNTs was attained by covalent grafting of PLA and successive deposition of Pd nanoparticles. The photothermal effect of CNTs‐PLA‐Pd was proportional to its concentration level and photothermal conversion efficiency calculated for CNTs‐PLA‐Pd was 26.5 %. The photothermal effect of CNTs‐PLA‐Pd under illumination to 980 nm laser was higher than that of 808 nm laser. The temperature attained during photothermal effect for CNTs‐PLA‐Pd was beyond 60 °C, which far exceeds the temperature survival level of cancer cells. Overall, the rational integration of CNTs, PLA and Pd nanoparticles in CNTs‐PLA‐Pd by reported strategy could offer a suitable avenue for advancement of cancer therapy.