Colloidal metallic gold is not bio-inert

Abstract

Metallic gold (Au degrees ) is a likely biotransformation product of monovalent gold, Au(I) whenever it is dissociated from in vivo ligands, Au degrees being formed either by bioreduction or by spontaneous dismutation (with co-production of trivalent gold). This review discusses the preparation and some biologically relevant properties of colloidal metallic gold (CMG) in its nano-particulate form. Tyndall's purple, a well characterised preparation of CMG, shows potent anti-arthritic activity in rats, approximately 10(3) times that of sodium aurothiomalate (Myocrysin). Even more remarkable is its broader spectrum of action in rats compared to this classic DMARD.

An investigation into the interactions of gold nanoparticles and anti-arthritic drugs with macrophages, and their reactivity towards thioredoxin reductase

“…Not surprisingly the anti-arthritic activity of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) have been investigated in an effort to avoid side effects. In one study, rats that had been chemically induced to exhibit symptoms of inflammation were treated with either Au NPs or sodium aurothiomalate [34]. Those treated with Au NPs showed a greater reduction in the severity of symptoms, encouraging further investigations.…”

The One Year Fate of Iron Oxide Coated Gold Nanoparticles in Mice

“…[23][24][25][26] Moreover gold particles become catalytic and highly reactive as their size is decreased to a few nanometers and interestingly some biological effects have been reported on small size gold particles. 27,28 Therefore the morphological evolution of persistent gold particles in the body should be evaluated and the size-dependent elimination/excretion resulting from potential in vivo degradation have to be elucidated. 23,29 In contrast to gold particles, iron oxide may benefit from iron metabolism and can be processed and assimilated by the organism.…”

Gilded Hope for Medicine

“…Gold nanoparticles have become of immense interest because of their extensive biomedical applications [81,82]. However, biomedical use of gold nanoparticles must be further examined in terms of biocompatibility.…”