Finally discovered！international gold nanoparticles for cancer

International Gold Nanoparticles for Cancer

Abstract

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have emerged as promising candidates for cancer diagnosis and therapy due to their unique optical properties, biocompatibility, and ease of surface functionalization. The ability of AuNPs to selectively target tumors and deliver therapeutic agents has led to the development of novel approaches for cancer treatment. This review discusses the recent advances in international research on AuNPs for cancer, focusing on their synthesis, characterization, and application in cancer imaging, drug delivery, and photothermal therapy.

Introduction

Cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide, necessitating the development of effective and innovative strategies for its treatment. AuNPs have gained significant attention in the field of oncology due to their ability to passively accumulate in tumors through the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. Moreover, AuNPs can be easily functionalized with a variety of biomolecules, such as antibodies, peptides, and aptamers, to enhance their tumor specificity.

Synthesis and Characterization of AuNPs

AuNPs can be synthesized using various methods, including chemical reduction, seed-mediated growth, and templating. The size, shape, and surface chemistry of AuNPs can be precisely controlled by optimizing the synthesis parameters. The characterization of AuNPs involves techniques such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) to determine their morphology, size distribution, and surface properties.

Cancer Imaging

AuNPs have shown great promise in cancer imaging applications. Their strong absorption and scattering of light in the near-infrared (NIR) region enable them to act as effective contrast agents for optical imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and photoacoustic imaging (PAI). By targeting AuNPs to specific biomarkers, it is possible to enhance tumor visualization and improve the accuracy of cancer diagnosis.

Drug Delivery

AuNPs can serve as versatile drug delivery vehicles for targeted cancer therapy. They can encapsulate a wide range of therapeutic agents, including small molecules, peptides, and nucleic acids. The surface of AuNPs can be modified with targeting ligands to ensure selective delivery of drugs to tumor cells. Once at the target site, AuNPs can release their payload through various mechanisms, such as passive diffusion, chemical cleavage, or photothermal triggering.

Photothermal Therapy

AuNPs exhibit strong absorption of NIR light, which can be converted into heat through a process called plasmonic photothermal therapy (PPTT). When irradiated with NIR light, AuNPs generate localized heat, leading to cell death through multiple mechanisms, including apoptosis, necrosis, and vascular damage. PPTT can be combined with other therapeutic modalities, such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy, to enhance the overall efficacy of cancer treatment.

Conclusion

International research on AuNPs for cancer has rapidly advanced in recent years, leading to significant progress in the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. The unique properties of AuNPs enable precise tumor targeting, enhanced drug delivery, and efficient photothermal therapy. Ongoing research efforts are focused on further improving the specificity, efficacy, and clinical translation of AuNPs-based cancer therapies. As the field continues to evolve, AuNPs hold great promise for revolutionizing cancer management and improving patient outcomes.