Clinical translation of gold nanoparticles

Abstract

Gold nanoparticles display unique physicochemical features, which can be useful for therapeutic purposes. After two decades of preclinical progress, gold nanoconstructs are slowly but steadily transitioning into clinical trials. Although initially thought to be “magic golden bullets” that could be used to treat a wide range of diseases, current consensus has moved toward a more realistic approach, where gold nanoformulations are being investigated to treat specific disorders. These therapeutic applications are dictated by the pharmacokinetics and biodistribution profiles of gold nanoparticles. Here, we analyze the current clinical landscape of therapeutic gold nanoconstructs, discuss the shared characteristics that allowed for their transition from bench to bedside, and examine existing hurdles that need to be overcome before they can be approved for clinical use. Graphical Abstract

Photothermal-Enhanced Modulation of Cellular Membrane Potential Using Long-Wavelength-Activated Gold Nanoflowers

“…To date, studies have demonstrated the utility of NP bioconjugates in a range of applications including cell movement, protein expression, drug delivery, and imaging. − The utilization of the plasmonic properties of AuNPs of various geometries has led to photothermal therapy of cancers that are now in multiple clinical trials . With this has emerged the use of AuNPs for the controlled optical modulation of cellular membrane potential and this is now a rapidly growing area of research . Several studies have now confirmed both the optocapacitave and distance-dependent nature of photothermal opening of ion channels for neuronal stimulation/activation. , Much of this work has focused on spherical AuNPs with absorption in the visible part of the spectrum.…”

“…25 With this has emerged the use of AuNPs for the controlled optical modulation of cellular membrane potential and this is now a rapidly growing area of research. 26 Several studies have now confirmed both the optocapacitave and distance-dependent nature of photothermal opening of ion channels for neuronal stimulation/activation. 10,11 Much of this work has focused on spherical AuNPs with absorption in the visible part of the spectrum.…”

Cancer Treatment Using Different Shapes of Gold-Based Nanomaterials in Combination with Conventional Physical Techniques

“…Albeit, while several experimental research studies have focused on AuNPs-based cancer therapies, no Au platform has still clinically approved for the treatment of human cancer in vivo. One limitation regards their accumulation in organs such as the liver and spleen, although a large part is still excreted [ 182 , 183 ].…”

“…The SNA was able to cross the BBB and to suppress oncoprotein expression. This study reveal a reduction of the tumor-associated protein BCL2L12 without collateral effects being induced [ 182 , 185 ].…”

Shape dependent protein induced stabilization of gold nanoparticles: from protein corona perspective.

“…In pre-clinical settings, the use of GNPs includes point-of-care diagnostics [9,10] (lateral flow assays such as pregnancy tests and rapid COVID-19 tests), in vivo imaging [11,12] (photoacoustic and computerised tomography), and therapeutics [13][14][15] (photothermal therapy, radiotherapy, catalytic therapy, and drug delivery). Although GNPs treatment designs and applications are rapidly developing with some having reached clinical trials, [16][17][18] none has yet been approved for clinical use primarily because it is hard to predict the changes that nanoparticles undergo and how they behave in complex biological systems. Upon exposure to biological media (e.g.…”