Search citation statements
Paper Sections
Citation Types
Year Published
Publication Types
Relationship
Authors
Journals
For decades, nanoparticles (NPs) have been widely implemented in various biomedical fields due to their unique optical, thermal, and tunable properties. Particularly, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have opened new frontiers in sensing, targeted drug delivery, imaging, and photodynamic therapy, showing promising results for the treatment of various intractable diseases that affect quality of life and longevity. Despite the tremendous achievements of AuNPs-based approaches in biomedical applications, few AuNP-based nanomedicines have been evaluated in clinical trials, which is likely due to a shortage of understanding of the biological and pathological effects of AuNPs. The biological fate of AuNPs is tightly related to a variety of physicochemical parameters including size, shape, chemical structure of ligands, charge, and protein corona, and therefore evaluating the effects of these parameters on specific biological interactions is a major ongoing challenge. Therefore, this review focuses on ongoing nanotoxicology studies that aim to characterize the effect of various AuNP characteristics on AuNP-induced toxicity. Specifically, we focus on understanding how each parameter alters the specific biological interactions of AuNPs via mechanistic analysis of nano-bio interactions. We also discuss different cellular functions affected by AuNP treatment (e.g., cell motility, ROS generation, interaction with DNA, and immune response) to understand their potential human health risks. The information discussed herein could contribute to the safe usage of nanomedicine by providing a basis for appropriate risk assessment and for the development of nano-QSAR models.
For decades, nanoparticles (NPs) have been widely implemented in various biomedical fields due to their unique optical, thermal, and tunable properties. Particularly, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have opened new frontiers in sensing, targeted drug delivery, imaging, and photodynamic therapy, showing promising results for the treatment of various intractable diseases that affect quality of life and longevity. Despite the tremendous achievements of AuNPs-based approaches in biomedical applications, few AuNP-based nanomedicines have been evaluated in clinical trials, which is likely due to a shortage of understanding of the biological and pathological effects of AuNPs. The biological fate of AuNPs is tightly related to a variety of physicochemical parameters including size, shape, chemical structure of ligands, charge, and protein corona, and therefore evaluating the effects of these parameters on specific biological interactions is a major ongoing challenge. Therefore, this review focuses on ongoing nanotoxicology studies that aim to characterize the effect of various AuNP characteristics on AuNP-induced toxicity. Specifically, we focus on understanding how each parameter alters the specific biological interactions of AuNPs via mechanistic analysis of nano-bio interactions. We also discuss different cellular functions affected by AuNP treatment (e.g., cell motility, ROS generation, interaction with DNA, and immune response) to understand their potential human health risks. The information discussed herein could contribute to the safe usage of nanomedicine by providing a basis for appropriate risk assessment and for the development of nano-QSAR models.
Novel CuO–FeS nanocomposites were synthesized to exert anticancer effects on HepG2 cells. The formation was initially demonstrated using UV–Visible spectrophotometry analysis, which indicated two peaks at 335 and 370 nm. Characteristic Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy peaks for Cu–O and Fe–S bonds were observed at 516, 577 and 619 cm−1 in addition to other notable peaks. The Miller indices correspond to the lattice spacing of monoclinic CuO and FeS as observed by selected area diffraction rings concurrent with the X-ray diffraction observations. The morphology was interpreted by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, indicating a particle size of 110 nm. As per energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis, strong peaks for Cu (0.9, 8 and 9 keV), Fe (6–7 keV), O (0.5 keV) and S (2.5 keV) indicated the formation of CuO–FeS blend with no impurities. A mean particle size of 121.9 nm and polydispersity index of 0.150 were displayed by dynamic light scattering analysis and the zeta potential was −29.2 mV. The composites were not toxic to normal 3T3-L1 cells and were not haemolytic even at higher doses. In addition, the stable composites exerted cytotoxic effects on HepG2 cells (IC50 = 250 ± 5.7 μg/mL) and induced cell death by creating a loss in mitochondrial membrane potential and induction of mitochondrial apoptosis in a ROS-independent manner.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2025 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.