Abstract
Simple SummaryThe development of nanotechnology has brought revolution to the diagnosis and therapy of diseases, with a high precision and efficacy. Because nanoparticles can integrate multifunctions together including imaging, targeting, and therapeutics, they are more efficient than the standalone diagnostic or therapeutic entities. Among which, gold nanoparticles are most extensively investigated due to their excellent biocompatibility, versatility and ease of functionalization. Excepting the using of gold nanoparticles as vehicles for therapeutics delivery, they are also good candidates as contrast agents for imaging diagnosis, from magnetic resonance imaging, CT and nuclear imaging, fluorescence imaging, photoacoustic imaging to X-ray fluorescence imaging. We summarize their recent applications in these imaging modalities and challenges for their clinical translation.The last decade has witnessed the booming of preclinical studies of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in biomedical applications, from therapeutics delivery, imaging diagnostics, to cancer therapies. The synthetic versatility, unique optical and electronic properties, and ease of functionalization make AuNPs an excellent platform for cancer theranostics. This review summarizes the development of AuNPs as contrast agents to image cancers. First, we briefly describe the AuNP synthesis, their physical characteristics, surface functionalization and related biomedical uses. Then we focus on the performances of AuNPs as contrast agents to diagnose cancers, from magnetic resonance imaging, CT and nuclear imaging, fluorescence imaging, photoacoustic imaging to X-ray fluorescence imaging. We compare these imaging modalities and highlight the roles of AuNPs as contrast agents in cancer diagnosis accordingly, and address the challenges for their clinical translation.
Highlights
Nanotechnology, which offers unique features and possibilities suited for biomedical applications, has undergone rapid development over the last few decades [1,2,3,4,5]
In this review, we will focus on pre-clinical development for the application of AuNPs in imaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET)/Computed tomography (CT) imaging, photoacoustic imaging, fluorescence imaging and X-ray fluorescence imaging for cancer diagnosis (Table 1)
The unique optical and electrical properties of AuNPs have enabled their applications as contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging, CT and nuclear imaging, fluorescence imaging, photoacoustic imaging, and X-ray fluorescence imaging
Summary
Nanotechnology, which offers unique features and possibilities suited for biomedical applications, has undergone rapid development over the last few decades [1,2,3,4,5]. Commonly known as the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, or active targeting [11,12], the preferential accumulation of AuNPs in tumors, may lead to higher sensitivity of imaging diagnosis and increased efficacy of therapeutics. By focusing on the inhibition of secondary nucleation during the homogeneous growth process, the enlargement of pre-synthesized AuNPs via the surface-catalyzed reduction of Au3+ by sodium citrate can be achieved [18] Another commonly used protocol is based on a Brust–Schiffrin method, which uses a two-phase toluene-H2 O system [19]. The functionalization of AuNPs with active targeting moieties facilitates precise tumor accumulation, and potentially improve tumor diagnosis and therapy efficacy. In this review, we will focus on pre-clinical development for the application of AuNPs in imaging techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), PET/CT imaging, photoacoustic imaging, fluorescence imaging and X-ray fluorescence imaging for cancer diagnosis (Table 1)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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.
