Investigation of Low-Level Laser Inducing Gold Nanoparticles Surface Plasmon Resonance Effects on Proliferation and Differentiation of Stem Cells

Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) have demonstrated excellent optical scattering and photothermal properties in comparison to any molecular optical absorbers. Numerous medical applications used of the thermal effect induced by laser-activated gold nanoparticles for damaging cell, however the exact mechanism of when and how damage occurs remains unclear. On the other hand, there is increasing studies demonstrated the nanoparticles can promote stem cell differentiation. But the interactions between nanoparticles and stem cells still remain unclear. In addition, low-level laser has also been demonstrated it is a potential clinical tool used to enhance cell proliferation. But optimal laser irradiation conditions and the cellular mechanisms of the low-level laser for stimulating cell activity also have not been studies in detail. Previous studies indicated GNPs induced mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) differentiation caused by mechanical stress to active mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway (MAPK) signaling pathway. However, MAPK pathway is depended on the pressure and ROS concentration. Meanwhile low-level laser irradiation will increase ROS and the intracellular pressure will increase causing by thermal effects of laser-activated gold nanoparticles. Therefore, in order to clarify the cellular response to the thermal effect induced cellular damage or stimulated proliferate and differentiation, the proposal is aimed at examining the influences of photothermal effects on the cellular responses of stem cells including proliferation, differentiation, especially the associated molecular mechanism by GNPs under well-controlled pulsed laser conditions. The study will reveal the photothermal potential role of gold nanoparticle mediated therapies and future biomedical applications.

Project ID:PB10408-5712
External Project ID:MOST104-2221-E182-018