We have been pioneers in the field of plasmonics in biology. We have quantified and mapped out the optical heating from various nanostructures both theoretically and experimentally. Subsequently, we have used thermoplasmonics—tiny metal structures that can be heated with light—to do very precise manipulation or “microsurgery” on cells or soft materials.

With this method, we can make controlled, local damage to the cell surface or even the membrane around the nucleus (in collaboration with the Cancer Institute). This lets us study how cells sense and repair injuries, which happen often when cells squeeze and move through tissue—especially immune cells and cancer cells.

We also use the same light-based heating tool for bioengineering: for example, to merge (fuse) cell membranes with synthetic membranes, or to locally “switch” membranes into a different physical state in a specific spot (a bit like changing a small patch of butter from solid to soft without affecting the rest).

• Nano Letters Review (2024), Ruhoff et al.
• JOVE (2024), Danielsen et al.
• Nano Letters (2023) Ruhoff et al.
• Nanoscale (2022), Moreno-Pescador et al.
• Chemical Reviews (2019),  Jauffred et al.
• ROPP (2017), Bahadori et al.
• Sci. Rep. (2016), Norregaard et al.
• Nano Letters (2015), Rørvig-Lund et al.
• ASC Nano (2010), Bendix et al.
• Nano Letters (2005), Hansen et al.