Role of gold and silver nanoparticles in cancer nano-medicine

Abstract

Development of nanoparticles (NPs) as a part of cancer therapeutics has given rise to a new field of research - cancer nanomedicine. In comparison to traditional anti-cancer drugs, NPs provide a targeted approach which prevents undesirable effects. In this communication, we have reviewed the role of gold and silver NPs (AgNPs) in the cancer nanomedicine. The preparation of gold NPs (AuNPs) and AgNPs can be grouped into three categories - physical, chemical and biological. Among the three approaches, the biological approach is growing and receiving more attention due to its safe and effective production. In this review, we have discussed important methods for synthesis of gold and AgNPs followed by techniques employed in characterization of their physicochemical properties, such as UV-visible spectroscopy, electron microscopy (TEM and SEM) and size and surface analysis (DLS). The mechanism of formation of these NPs in an aqueous medium through various stages - reduction, nucleation and growth has also been reviewed briefly. Finally, we conclude our review with the application of these NPs as anti-cancer agents and numerous mechanisms by which they render cancer cell toxicity.

Fabrication of silver nanoparticles using Arnebia hispidissima (Lehm.) A. DC. root extract and unravelling their potential biomedical applications

“…Nanoscience has emerged as a prominent technology which finds its application in the fields of biology, medicine, optoelectronics, forensic investigation, wastewater treatment, development of biosensors, electrochemical sensors, currency and hologram printing, etc. [1]. Fabrication of nanoparticles can be done using various physical (ultrasonication, laser ablation, thermo-reductive, electrochemical and microwave-assisted synthesis) and chemical methods (Turkevich method, Brust-Schiffrin synthesis, etc.…”

“…involving the use of chemicals like amino-boranes, polyols, oxalic acid, sugar, citrate, thiolate, etc.) [1]. Green synthesis is a substitute for physical and chemical methods as it forfeits the use of toxic chemicals, surfactants and unfavourable conditions like high temperature or intensive energy.…”

Visible Light Plasmon Excitation of Silver Nanoparticles Against Antibiotic-ResistantPseudomonas aeruginosa

“…Many different commercial products relying on silver biocidal properties have been produced, most of them in the last 10 years (18, 19). The wide variety of AgNPs as well as the intrinsic properties of metallic silver in relation to biological system and biomolecules (20) fostered the extensive use of AgNPs in medical applications, such as cancer treatment (21–23), drug delivery (24, 25), imaging (26, 27) and antimicrobial treatment (28, 29).…”

Cold Atmospheric Plasma induces silver nanoparticle uptake, oxidative dissolution and enhanced cytotoxicity in Glioblastoma multiforme cells

“…Our own group unveiled 25-fold enhanced cytotoxicity on U373MG cells when 20 nm citrate-capped AuNP were combined with non-toxic doses of CAP, demonstrating enhanced AuNP endocytosis and subcellular trafficking [29]. Meanwhile, interest in AgNP has shifted beyond antimicrobial use to potential additional anticancer applications [33][34][35]. Evidence is emerging that oxidative stress induced by low dose AgNP is implicated in their cytotoxicity [36][37][38][39].…”