Gold Nanoparticles (AuNPs)—Toxicity, Safety and Green Synthesis: A Critical Review

Abstract

In recent years, the extensive exploration of Gold Nanoparticles (AuNPs) has captivated the scientific community due to their versatile applications across various industries. With sizes typically ranging from 1 to 100 nm, AuNPs have emerged as promising entities for innovative technologies. This article comprehensively reviews recent advancements in AuNPs research, encompassing synthesis methodologies, diverse applications, and crucial insights into their toxicological profiles. Synthesis techniques for AuNPs span physical, chemical, and biological routes, focusing on eco-friendly “green synthesis” approaches. A critical examination of physical and chemical methods reveals their limitations, including high costs and the potential toxicity associated with using chemicals. Moreover, this article investigates the biosafety implications of AuNPs, shedding light on their potential toxic effects on cellular, tissue, and organ levels. By synthesizing key findings, this review underscores the pressing need for a thorough understanding of AuNPs toxicities, providing essential insights for safety assessment and advancing green toxicology principles.

The Influence of Size on the Intracranial Distribution of Biomedical Nanoparticles Administered by Convection-enhanced Delivery in Minipigs

“…Inorganic NPs may be a cause of inflammation in certain tissues . However, gold is generally considered a biocompatible and nontoxic material, although some studies have suggested the toxicity of AuNPs, especially at high concentrations. , To the best of our knowledge, no previous studies have found evidence of inflammation from direct intracranial administration of AuNPs. Our study did not thoroughly assess inflammation originating from the NP administration, but during the study period, no adverse effects were observed.…”