Their light reflecting and absorbing qualities make them suitable for both electron microscopy, to examine the structure of microorganisms and cells, and photodynamic therapy, where the particles penetrate cancer cells and are then heated using light to destroy tumors.

它们的光反射和吸收特性使它们既适用于电子显微镜， 检查微生物和细胞的结构，也适用于光动力疗法， 在光动力疗法中， 粒子穿透癌细胞， 然后用光加热以破坏肿瘤。