Rod-shaped gold nanoparticles ('nanorods') have recently attracted widespread attention due to their unique optical properties and facile synthesis. In particular, they can support a longitudinal surface plasmon, which results in suspensions of them having a strong extinction peak in the upper visible or near-infrared parts of the spectrum. The position of this peak can be readily tuned by controlling the shape of the rods. In addition, the surface of the nanorods can be functionalized by a very wide variety of molecules. This has led to interest in their use as selective biomarkers in biodiagnostics or for selective targeting in photothermal thearapeutics. Here, we review the recent advances in the use of gold nanorods in these applications. Additionally, the information available regarding their biocompatibility is discussed.

中文翻译：

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金纳米棒颗粒在诊断和治疗应用中的前景。

棒状金纳米颗粒（“ nanorods”）由于其独特的光学性能和简便的合成方法最近引起了广泛的关注。特别地，它们可以支撑纵向表面等离激元，这导致它们的悬浮液在光谱的上部可见或近红外部分具有强烈的消光峰。通过控制棒的形状可以容易地调节该峰的位置。另外，纳米棒的表面可以通过各种各样的分子进行功能化。这引起了人们对其在生物诊断中的选择性生物标志物或在光热疗法中选择性靶向的兴趣。在这里，我们回顾了在这些应用中使用金纳米棒的最新进展。此外，讨论了有关其生物相容性的可用信息。