The Basic Properties of Gold Nanoparticles and their Applications in Tumor Diagnosis and Treatment

Abstract

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been widely studied and applied in the field of tumor diagnosis and treatment because of their special fundamental properties. In order to make AuNPs more suitable for tumor diagnosis and treatment, their natural properties and the interrelationships between these properties should be systematically and profoundly understood. The natural properties of AuNPs were discussed from two aspects: physical and chemical. Among the physical properties of AuNPs, localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), radioactivity and high X-ray absorption coefficient are widely used in the diagnosis and treatment of tumors. As an advantage over many other nanoparticles in chemicals, AuNPs can form stable chemical bonds with S-and N-containing groups. This allows AuNPs to attach to a wide variety of organic ligands or polymers with a specific function. These surface modifications endow AuNPs with outstanding biocompatibility, targeting and drug delivery capabilities. In this review, we systematically summarized the physicochemical properties of AuNPs and their intrinsic relationships. Then the latest research advancements and the developments of basic research and clinical trials using these properties are summarized. Further, the difficulties to be overcome and possible solutions in the process from basic laboratory research to clinical application are discussed. Finally, the possibility of applying the results to clinical trials was estimated. We hope to provide a reference for peer researchers to better utilize the excellent physicochemical properties of gold nanoparticles in oncotherapy.

Gold‐Nanoparticle‐Decorated Metal‐Organic Frameworks for Anticancer Therapy

“…Figure 2 shows the generation of LSPR of Au NPs and their associated properties of these two effects. [62] The extinction value of LSPR for Au NPs can be very high typically above 10 8 M À 1 cm À 1 , which is about 10 3 fold larger than these values for organic molecules. [63] As consequence, photothermal conversion efficiency and light energy absorption of Au NPs are strongly enhanced compared to other light harvesters.…”

“…This absorption band of Au NPs occurs in the visible region and is responsible for the characteristic intense tunable purple‐red colour of Au NPs that is responsible for the use of Au NPs as a stable pigment. Figure 2 shows the generation of LSPR of Au NPs and their associated properties of these two effects [62] …”

Targeted Nanotherapeutics for Respiratory Diseases: Cancer, Fibrosis, and Coronavirus

“…[137,138] Moreover, AuNPs possess unique physiochemical characteristics such as high biocompatibility and low-toxicity as well as AuNPs are non-immunogenic which made gold nanoparticles as an attractive nanocarriers for various biomedical applications. [139][140][141] In 2014, Qian et al conjugated Cetuximab (C225), a targeting agent for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) with AuNPs for the treatment of EGFR positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). [142] This C225-AuNPs inhibited proliferation and migration of A549 cells and accelerated apoptosis in A549 cells as compared to treatment with free C225 alone.…”

Magnetic Solid Phase Extraction as a Promising Technique for Fast Separation of Metallic Nanoparticles and Their Ionic Species: A Review of Recent Advances

“…It stems from their unique optical, physical, and chemical properties [ 67 ], as well as controllable synthesis [ 67 , 68 ]. The ability of AuNPs to be conjugated with many functionalizing agents, such as polymers, surfactants, ligands, dendrimers, drugs, DNA, RNA, proteins, peptides, and oligonucleotides, has led to their extended use in biomedical applications, disease diagnostics, and pharmaceuticals [ 69 – 71 ]. Their extensive use is well documented by many papers published on this topic ( Figure 4 ).…”