Rice University │ Houston, Texas
For the creation and development of nanoshells—metal-coated nanoscale particles that can capture light energy—for use in many biomedical and chemical applications.
Light might seem intangible, elusive even, but in the hands of Naomi Halas, it transforms into a finely tuned instrument capable of unlocking unprecedented advancements across medicine, energy, environmental science, and beyond. At Rice University, Halas developed a pioneering class of engineered nanoparticles—known as nanoshells—whose optical properties can be adjusted with a precision akin to tuning a radio dial. This crucial insight ushered in a revolutionary phase in nanophotonics, a discipline in which scientists control and manipulate light at scales as minuscule as billionths of a meter, yielding breakthroughs once perceived as mere science fiction.
At their core, nanoshells are exquisitely small spherical particles consisting of a dielectric or nonconductive core, typically composed of silica, encased within an ultra-thin metallic layer, most commonly gold. Halas discovered that by varying the size of the core and thickness of the metal coating, one can dictate the specific wavelengths of light the nanoshells either absorb or scatter. This deceptively straightforward yet profound concept formed the foundation of transformative technologies, particularly drug-free, infrared light-induced cancer therapies.
When injected into the bloodstream, nanoshells will accumulate selectively at tumor sites—tumors generate porous and malformed blood vessels and the minuscule nanoshells leak in. Once illuminated by near-infrared light that can pass harmlessly through the body, the nanoshells absorb the energy and convert it efficiently into heat. Remarkably, this localized heating effect destroys malignant cells, sparing adjacent healthy tissue from collateral damage. Clinical trials have demonstrated transformative efficacy of nanoshell-based treatments, particularly in prostate cancer. Studies reported that patients treated with nanoshell-enhanced photothermal therapy experienced complete tumor reduction with essentially none of the well-known deleterious side effects of conventional prostate cancer treatments, highlighting its potential as a safe and effective alternative to traditional therapies such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
Halas's journey toward these transformative discoveries began early, rooted deeply in her fascination with the interdisciplinary nexus of physics, chemistry, and engineering. Following her Ph.D. studies in physics at Bryn Mawr College, where she pursued breakthrough research in ultrafast optical sciences at IBM Research, Halas pursued postdoctoral research at AT&T Bell Laboratories focusing on light-induced processes in semiconductors. When she joined Rice University, she was able to combine her diverse scientific expertise into a cohesive, groundbreaking research program. It was there, during the 1990s, that she conceptualized and executed her initial, now-celebrated experiments involving nanoshells. These early successes laid the groundwork for a robust research environment that has since significantly expanded the applications of plasmonic nanostructures, connecting fields as diverse as biomedicine, environmental cleanup, and sustainable energy solutions.
The scientific community quickly grasped the extraordinary implications of Halas’s inventions. Recognition soon followed in numerous forms, including prestigious elections to the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. She is also a fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the Materials Research Society (MRS), and the International Society for Optics and Photonics (SPIE). Her honors are reflective of not only scientific ingenuity but also a remarkable ability to unify and integrate distinct academic disciplines. At Rice, Halas is not only an innovator but also a visionary leader, directing highly interdisciplinary research initiatives. These programs are purposefully designed to leverage the full potential of nanophotonics, addressing some of humanity’s most urgent challenges.
Beyond cancer therapy, Halas's nanoshell technology has inspired a range of practical applications in other critical areas. Her research has significantly influenced solar water treatment and light-based chemistry. By carefully structuring nanoshells to maximize their interaction with sunlight, Halas’s work contributes to significantly improved energy capture and conversion efficiencies, potentially reshaping the landscape of renewable energy technology. Nanoshells also show great potential for use in advanced sensing devices, including biosensors capable of detecting certain disease biomarkers at extraordinarily low concentrations and the detection of environmental contaminants in human tissues.
Halas’s impact extends even further, inspiring collaborative global efforts aimed at tackling environmental pollution through nanotechnology. Her group has explored using plasmonic nanoparticles to catalyze chemical reactions using light, not heat, offering powerful new methods for water purification and pollution reduction.
Today, Halas remains at the forefront of exploration in nanophotonics, continually pushing the boundaries of what is feasible at infinitesimally small scales. Her ongoing research is characterized by a steadfast commitment to innovation, developing ever-more sophisticated applications. Her scientific pursuits vividly illustrate the immense untapped potential of light, something that is both ubiquitous and often overlooked in its remarkable capabilities. Through her tireless ingenuity, she continuously demonstrates that, when skillfully manipulated, light can serve as a powerful force for advancing human health, enhancing quality of life, and fostering environmental sustainability on a global scale.
In every endeavor, Naomi Halas’s groundbreaking work not only reshapes scientific understanding but also tangibly impacts society, underscoring the profound potential of harnessing something as fundamental and universal as light.
Information as of April 2025.