Seeded Growth of Plasmonic Core‐Shell NU‐1000 NanoMOFs With Intracellular Optical Readout

Abstract

ABSTRACT Plasmonic gold bipyramids (AuBipy) encapsulated within a NU‐1000 metal‐organic framework (MOF) create robust core–shell nanocomposites. These porous nanoassemblies combine the near‐infrared (NIR) plasmonic resonance of the metallic core with the intrinsic photoluminescence of the pyrene‐based organic linkers. Comprehensive optical characterization reveals efficient photothermal heating under NIR irradiation and robust surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) capabilities in colloidal dispersions. For biological applications, AuBipy@NU‐1000 nanocomposites exhibit good colloidal stability and maintain high cell viability in A549 cells up to a 200 pM particle concentration (equivalent to 152 µ M of Au and 302 µM of Zr). Wide‐field hyperspectral microscopy enables label‐free intracellular mapping of the distinct optical signatures of both components after cellular internalization. Spatial analysis of these signals supports preservation of the core‐shell architecture inside cells. Consequently, these nanomaterials provide a versatile platform for intracellular optical readout, with additional potential for chemical sensing and photothermal applications.