Abstract

Chandini T.*, Dr. Ibrahim Afsal V. T., Ayisha Shabaha M. P., Finu Fathima E. P., Harshida K. P. and Fathimathul Salva C. K.

ABSTRACT

Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) have emerged as promising radiosensitizers in various biomedical applications, including drug delivery and cancer therapy. Their unique properties, such as size, composition, morphology, and surface chemistry, can be precisely controlled through advanced synthesis and fabrication methods. Au NPs can act as contrast agents and dose enhancers in image-guided nanoparticle-enhanced radiotherapy using kilovoltage cone-beam computed tomography. Surface functionalization of Au NPs with various ligands, such as PEG, ssDNA, antibodies, peptides, drugs, fluorescence markers, and siRNA, enables them to perform multiple biomedical functions simultaneously at the molecular or cellular level. This review highlights various synthesis methods for Au NPs, including the colloidal method, galvanic replacement, and the Brust-Schiffrin method. The properties and applications of Au NPs in drug delivery and cancer therapy, such as plasmid DNA vector delivery, RNA delivery, and gold nanoparticle-based therapy, are explored. However, the potential toxicity and health impact of Au NPs need to be thoroughly investigated before clinical implementation. The review also discusses the challenges associated with drug administration and the role of biomaterials in improving medical technologies through increased control of immune signals. The synthesis and properties of Au NPs, including their core size, stabilizing agents, and surface modifications, are also discussed in detail.