Real-Time Temperature Detection Via Quantum Dots for Photothermal Cellular Actuation

Plasmonic heating finds multiple applications in cell manipulation and stimulation, where heat generated by metal nanoparticles can be used to modify adhesion, control membrane currents, suppress neuronal action potentials among others. Metal also easily integrated artificial extracellular matrices provide tunable, thermal cueing functionalities with nanometer spatial resolution. In this contribution, we present a platform enabling the combination of plasmonic localized temperature sensing using quantum dots (QDs). Specifically, functional nanocomposite material was designed gold nanorods (AuNRs) QDs incorporated cell-permissive hydrogel (e.g., collagen) as well an optical set-up combining imaging, respectively. Specific area stimulation/readout realized through structured illumination digital micromirror device (DMD) projection.