Plasmonic Janus particles: A perspective on optical manipulation and biomedical applications

The compositional asymmetry of Janus micro- and nanoparticles gives unprecedented opportunities to manipulate such composite particles with different stimuli to achieve enhanced optical, magnetic and photothermal responses, which can be exploited for sensing, phototherapy, and nanoscale robotic applications. This perspective overviews recent advances in optical manipulation of plasmonic Janus particles and their implications for biomedical applications. In particular, a brief summary of optical, plasmonic, and magnetic manipulation of Janus particles of various compositions are presented. Moreover, the potentials of plasmonic and magnetic Janus particles for targeted drug delivery, photothermal therapy, hyperthermia, bio-imaging, bio-detection, and neuromodulation are briefly discussed. Finally, a perspective on the rational design and applications of this particular family of asymmetric particles is forwarded.