Ph sensitive metal and nanoparticle and preparation method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pH sensitive particle, a method of preparation thereof, and a use thereof. More particularly, the invention provides a pH sensitive metal nanoparticle and its use for medical treatment utilizing cell necrosis during photothermal therapy. The pH sensitive metal nanoparticle based on this invention consists of a pH sensitive ligand compound whose charge changes depending on the pH of the metal nanoparticle. The particle can be collected in cells, such as cancer cells which present an abnormal pH environment. The pH sensitive metal nanoparticle based on this invention can induce cell death through a photothermal procedure after aggregation. Therefore, the invention enables medical treatment using cell necrosis for e.g. cancer treatment.

1 - 14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . A method for destroying abnormal cells, comprising:
 administering pH-sensitive metal nanoparticles to aggregate; and   irradiating the aggregated metal nanoparticles with light, thereby destroying the abnormal cells.   
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 15 , wherein the abnormal cells are cells representing an acidic pH. 
     
     
         17 . The method according to  claim 15 , wherein the abnormal cells are cancer cells. 
     
     
         18 . The method according to  claim 15 , wherein the metal nanoparticles are introduced into the cells and form aggregations in the cells. 
     
     
         19 . The method according to  claim 15 , wherein the metal nanoparticles are gold particles or gold-coated particles. 
     
     
         20 . The method according to  claim 15 , wherein the charge of at least a portion of the compounds changes under an acidic pH environment. 
     
     
         21 . The method according to  claim 15 , wherein the charge of the compound changes upon hydrolysis. 
     
     
         22 . The method according to  claim 21 , wherein the charge of the compound changes from negative to positive after the compound is hydrolyzed under an acidic pH environment. 
     
     
         23 . The method according to  claim 15 , wherein the compound is represented by the following chemical formula I: 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
     
     
         24 . The method according to  claim 15 , wherein the metal nanoparticles have an average diameter of 20 nm or less. 
     
     
         25 . The method according to  claim 15 , wherein the light is a red or infrared light. 
     
     
         26 . The method according to  claim 25 , wherein the light is a laser. 
     
     
         27 .- 41 . (canceled)