One-Pot Synthesis of Multifunctional Au@Graphene Oxide Nanocolloid Core@Shell Nanoparticles for Raman Bioimaging, Photothermal, and Photodynamic Therapy

The paper reports a facile one‐pot synthesis of core@shell nanoparticles (NPs) composed of Au core and graphene oxide nanocolloid (GON) shell. Unique properties of Au NPs and GON can be incorporated into a single nanohybrid structure to provide desirable functions for theranosis such as localized surface plasmon resonance, Raman scattering, amphiphilic surface, and photothermal conversion. Synthesis of Au@GON NPs is achieved by simple one‐pot reaction in aqueous phase utilizing GON as a reducing and stabilizing agent without any additional reducing agent. The zinc phthalocyanine, a photosensitizer, loaded Au@GON NPs show excellent multifunctional properties for combinational treatment of photothermal and photodynamic therapy in addition to Raman bioimaging with low cytotoxicity. Au@graphene oxide nanocolloid core@shell nanoparticles are prepared using graphene oxide nanocolloids as a reducing and stabilizing agent. Au@graphene oxide nanoparticles show multifunctionality such as surface plasmon resonance, Raman scattering, photothermal conversion, and an affinity for hydrophobic photosensitizers. After functionalization, these nanoparticles are successfully harnessed for Raman bioimaging and combinational therapy.