Near-infrared laser-triggered carbon nanohorns for selective elimination of microbes

Carbon nanomaterials, such as carbon nanohorns and carbon nanotubes, have attracted considerable attention for their biomedical applications. We report here the first application of carbon nanohorns (CNHs) as potent laser therapeutic agents for highly selective elimination of microorganisms. This is the first report, supported by direct observations, of the highly selective elimination of yeast and bacteria ( Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Escherichia coli ) by employing molecular recognition element–CNH complexes and a near-infrared laser.