Biomedical applications of gold nanomaterials: opportunities and challenges

Abstract

In the past few years, there has been an unprecedented development of gold nanomaterials (AuNMs) for potential clinical applications. Owing to their advantageous physical, chemical, and biological properties, AuNMs have attracted great attention in the nanomedicine arena for applications in biological sensing, biomedical imaging, drug delivery, and photothermal therapy. Their tunable size, shape, and surface characteristics coupled with excellent biocompatibility render them ideal candidates for translation from bench-top to bedside. This review summarizes the recent research on the applications of AuNM with a focus on biomedical diagnostics and therapeutics. The bio-interaction of these NM with cells and their in vivo responses are presented. After reviewing these potential applications, future challenges and prospects are discussed and the suitability of how AuNMs are used as effective tools in clinical medicine is assessed.

Asymmetric dumbbell-shaped silver nanoparticles and spherical gold nanoparticles green-synthesized by mangosteen (<em>Garcinia mangostana</em>) pericarp waste extracts

“…[1][2][3] Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been extensively used in antimicrobial applications, specifically, as antibacterial agents. 4,5 The traditional synthesis of AuNPs involves the use of chemical reducing agents to convert metal salts to metallic nanoparticles via a reduction reaction.…”

Gold nanoparticles induce heme oxygenase-1 expression through Nrf2 activation and Bach1 export in human vascular endothelial cells

“…22 Several toxicological reports show that many AuNPs have cytotoxicity in vitro and in vivo. [44][45][46] Furthermore, some AuNPs and silver nanoparticles are able to induce HO-1 expression by causing cytotoxicity and oxidative stress. 19,20,47 However, the AuNPs in this study caused Nrf2 activation and HO-1 expression in a short incubation.…”

Polylysine-grafted Au144nanoclusters: birth and growth of a healthy surface-plasmon-resonance-like band

“…1–3 Generally, however, the use of NPs can be severely limited by various factors, such as their aggregation and precipitation, short half-life in the bloodstream caused by opsonization by plasma proteins, non-specific targeting, and the possible risk of cell and tissue damage. 4 Devising proper surface modification is indeed essential for eliminating or at least minimizing these negative factors and making the NPs more biocompatible and stable in biological environments. Many NPs are small enough to pass through biological barriers and are considered to be very promising materials for biomedical applications.…”