Biomedical application of functionalized gold nanoparticles

Saideh Yoosefi,1,* Hamideh gharamaleki,2 Robabe mohammadi,3

1. Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Arak University
2. Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz-Iran
3. Shahed University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Introduction

The application of functionalized gold nanoparticles (aunpcs) in biomedicine has been the subject of growing research effort in the past few decades. the interesting properties of aunps such as low toxicity, simple synthesis process, size- and shape-dependent properties, and biocompatibility, make them as promising candidates in the biomedical field.

Methods

In this paper, we present the general overview of the field and recent advances in the biomedical application of functionalized gold nanoparticles. we reviewed the research articles published over the past five years. also, related challenges and prospects are discussed.

Results

The physicochemical properties of aunps can be controlled by regulating the size and the shape. the surface chemistry of aunpcs strongly influences their biological behavior. the surface of aunps can be modified or functionalized with different agents such as antibodies, enzymes, proteins, nucleic acids, and genetic materials, etc. therefore, functionalized aunps have attracted considerable attention as extraordinary molecular carriers which can be used in drug or gene delivery, bioimaging, cancer chemotherapy, and other therapeutic and diagnostic application.

Conclusion

Gold nanoparticles (aunps) have been widely studied for biomedical application due to their unique properties such as small size, biocompatibility, and low toxicity. however, more investigations are needed to understand the influence of surface functionalization on biological interaction and toxicity of aunps, in order to improve their biomedical application and reduce their adverse side effects.

Keywords

Gold nanoparticles, functionalization, drug delivery, bioimaging, gene delivery