Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - National Institute of Laser Enhanced Sciences (NILES) - Department of Laser Application Environmental Metrology, Photochemistry photobiology and Agriculture

Photothermal nanoplatforms with good biocompatibility are greatly desired in the exploration of novel therapeutic methodologies. The surface coating of gold nanorods (Au NRs) by polypyrrole nanoparticles (PPy NPs) can be used not only in increasing the biocompatibility of Au NRs for treatment, but also in enhancing their photothermal efficiency. Polypyrrole-gold nanocomposites (PPy-Au NCs) were synthesized using ex-situ polymerization method of the modified pyrrole monomer. This work demonstrated the synthesis of PPy-Au NCs and their photothermal effect, in comparison to Au NRs and PPy NPs. Additionally, histological analysis was performed to investigate the efficiency of PPy-Au NCs in reducing tumor progression and ablating Ehrlich carcinoma (EC) bearing mice using polychromatic, polarized and low energy (PPLE) light source. PPLE light sources could provide a safer and more practical approach to photothermal therapy (PTT).Therefore, we propose that PTT based on PPy-Au NCs as a photothermal agent and the polychromatic, polarized and low energy light as a power source can serve as a new effective treatment for cancer tumors. This work will be useful for designing enhanced photothermal properties and further applications in nanomedicine

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