Synthesis of nir-sensitive Au–Au2S nanocolloids for drug delivery

Near IR (NIR) sensitive Au–Au2S nanocolloids were prepared by mixing HAuCl4 and Na2S in aqueous solutions. An anti-tumor drug, cis-platin, was adsorbed onto Au–Au2S nanoparticle surface via the 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA) layers. The results show that the degree of adsorption of cis-platin onto Au–Au2S nanoparticles was controlled by the solution pH value, and the drug release was sensitive to near-infrared irradiation. The cis-platin-loaded Au–Au2S nanocolloids can be potentially applied as NIR activated drug delivery carrier.