Complementary Photothermal Heating Effects Observed between Gold Nanorods and Conjugated Infrared-Absorbing Dye Molecules

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

In materials and method, Author can briefly describe method used for the preparation of gold nano-rods surface functionalization using PEG and conjugation with NIR-Dye with their characterization data.

1. In Section 2. Materials and Methods: Line 79 and 81; Author is saying “ purchased rods were surface functionalized with an amine-terminated PEG; 

Please describe the method/ reaction used for surface functionalization and same for IR-conjugated rods. 

2. Also, please mention what characterization techniques were used to confirm the functionalization.

 

Author Response

see attached file

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 2 Report

The authors have written a research article titled “Complementary effect in photothermal heating of gold nanorods conjugated with infrared-absorbing dye molecules”. The authors have explained every aspect properly. However, the manuscript can be considered for publication after addressing the following points.

1.“Not only are these potential side effects difficult for patients to physically handle, the cost of treatment can also put substantial financial liability….” Please correct the English of this sentence. Refer to line no 35

2. Please enhance the readability of the sentence “It was found that, of the gold nanomaterial morphologies…….” Refer to line no 55

3.  The resolution of all images can be improved.

4.  Although authors have procured gold nanorods (10 x 41 nm) from the vendor but their size after and before coating or conjugation with IR-sensitive dye needs to be reported. These are the essential parameters for nanomaterials. Additionally, the authors have mentioned that this system can be an exceptional candidate for theranostic applications.

5. It will enhance the readers' readability and understanding if the authors can include any confirmatory test that suggests the successful conjugation of the IR dye to the surface functionalized amine-terminated polyethylene glycol gold nanorod.

6.  Based on the research conducted and the outcome, please include the conclusion.

Author Response

please see attached file

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 3 Report

It is an interesting manuscript about IR photothermal modified Nanorods with fluorescence dyes. It merits to be published; however please consider the following comments: i) Please revise the title and consider to revise the use of "complementary effect" due to it looks like is missing a word to understand the meaning of the entire title. ii) In the Abstract add a phrase highlighting the novelty of this work, or differences and improvements in comparison to other reports. iii) consider to add a TEM image of modified gold nanorods. Even if it was bought it could be interesting their interactions after modification. And, these possible Nano-assemblies could explain results. iii) in similar manner, in the section of results is missing some Nanoimaging of the proposed modified Nanorods; Laser Fluorescence Microscopy to demonstrate the chemical modification. It is a suggestion.  iv) In material and methods is not mentioned the dyes incorporated. And there is not any mention about characterization to be sure about chemical surface modification. v) Please check conclusions.

Author Response

please see attached file

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Round 2

Reviewer 3 Report

Thank you very much for your answer and considerations to my comments. Now, from my side the manuscript is accepted for publication. Best Regards.