Abstract
The application of nanotechnology for the treatment of cancer is mostly based on early tumor detection and diagnosis by nanodevices capable of selective targeting and delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs to the specific tumor site. Due to the remarkable properties of gold nanoparticles, they have long been considered as a potential tool for diagnosis of various cancers and for drug delivery applications. These properties include high surface area to volume ratio, surface plasmon resonance, surface chemistry and multi-functionalization, facile synthesis, and stable nature. Moreover, the non-toxic and non-immunogenic nature of gold nanoparticles and the high permeability and retention effect provide additional benefits by enabling easy penetration and accumulation of drugs at the tumor sites. Various innovative approaches with gold nanoparticles are under development. In this review, we provide an overview of recent progress made in the application of gold nanoparticles in the treatment of cancer by tumor detection, drug delivery, imaging, photothermal and photodynamic therapy and their current limitations in terms of bioavailability and the fate of the nanoparticles.
Highlights
With recent advances in nanotechnology and medical science, numerous nanoparticles and nanomaterials have emerged from different bulk elements such as gold, silver, iron, copper, cobalt, platinum, etc., which are synthesized either biologically or physiochemically [1,2]
We highlighted the recent advances in the development and application of gold nanoparticles in cancer diagnostics and treatment
Millions of functionalized gold nanoparticles can be released into the blood stream and bind to specific cancer cells, and in turn either aid in treatment via photothermal therapy (PTT) or enable photoimaging for the successful removal of the tumor by operation
Summary
With recent advances in nanotechnology and medical science, numerous nanoparticles and nanomaterials have emerged from different bulk elements such as gold, silver, iron, copper, cobalt, platinum, etc., which are synthesized either biologically or physiochemically [1,2]. Susie et al showed the change in optical properties and resonance of gold nanoparticles (ranging from 500 to 1200) by slightly changing the nanoparticles’ shape from nanospheres of 15–30 nm to nanorods of 2.5–7.5 Aspect ratio (AR.) [19] The range between 800 and 1200 is therapeutically useful because the body tissue is moderately transparent to Near Infra-Red (NIR) light, thereby providing an opportunity for therapeutic effects in deep tissues by photothermal and photoimaging approaches Another important property is the available surface area. The possibility to conjugate gold nanoparticles with a variety of biologically active moieties, especially with amine and thiol groups, provides possibilities for important biomedical applications ranging from diagnostics, targeting specific delivery of drugs/genes, imaging, and sensing for electron microscopy markers [21,22]. We summarize the importance and advantages of gold nanoparticles and their utilization in several aspects of cancer therapeutics
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
