Surface deformation of gold nanorod-loaded poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles after near infrared irradiation: an active and controllable drug release system

A novel drug release method for poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles is reported. NIR laser irradiation (808 ± 3 nm) on gold nanorods (GNRs) co-encapsulated in PLGA nanoparticles triggered surface protuberances (as studied by AFM) and induced rapid drug release. The NIR thus acts as a non-invasive external light source for active and controllable drug release from the PLGA/GNR composite nanoparticles. This type of drug delivery system may be of value in in vivo target delivery in the future.