• Advancing Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment with Gold Nanoparticle-Based Nanosensors
  • Arezoo Nazari,1,*
    1. Department of Biological science and Technology,Faculty of Nano and Bio Science and Technology,Persian Gulf University,Bushehr 7516913817,Iran


  • Introduction: Breast cancer remains a formidable global health issue, underscoring the urgent necessity for innovative approaches to enhance early diagnosis and treatment strategies. Gold nanoparticle-based nanosensors have emerged as promising tools in this arena due to their unique physical and chemical properties, which facilitate the precise identification of cancer biomarkers and the targeted delivery of therapeutic agents. This study investigates the mechanisms by which these nanosensors function, focusing on their application in breast cancer diagnostics and therapy.
  • Methods: Searching and reading articles in NCBA, Scopus, Gigalib, Google Scholar
  • Results: Breast cancer continues to represent a considerable global health concern, highlighting the need for novel strategies for early diagnosis and efficient treatment. In this context, gold nanoparticle-based nanosensors have been recognized as promising instruments, capitalizing on their distinctive characteristics to facilitate the accurate identification of biomarkers as well as the targeted administration of therapeutic compounds. This study explores the intricate mechanisms involved in the utilization of gold nanoparticle-based nanosensors for the detection and treatment of breast cancer. Gold nanoparticle-based nanosensors utilize diverse mechanisms for the sensitive detection of biomarkers associated with breast cancer. These nanoparticles are functionalized with ligands, including antibodies or DNA probes, that are specifically designed to target biomarkers such as HER2/neu and BRCA1. The recognition of these targets occurs through interactions such as antigen-antibody binding or complementary base pairing. When the nanoparticles bind to the target biomarkers, they exhibit changes in their localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) properties, leading to observable modifications in optical signals. These variations in signal intensity or wavelength are indicative of the presence of breast cancer biomarkers, allowing for sensitive and specific detection, even at low concentrations. Gold nanoparticle-based nanosensors present significant adaptability across multiple imaging techniques utilized in the diagnosis of breast cancer. In the context of photoacoustic imaging, these nanoparticles absorb near-infrared radiation and transform it into acoustic signals, facilitating high-resolution and high-contrast imaging of deep tissues. Furthermore, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) imaging leverages the distinctive enhancement of Raman signals provided by gold nanoparticles, enabling the sensitive identification of molecular-level biomarkers. Plasmonic imaging leverages the pronounced resonant properties of gold nanoparticles to improve the contrast in optical imaging methodologies. This enhancement enables the acquisition of detailed molecular information regarding breast cancer lesions. Gold nanoparticle-based nanosensors have demonstrated significant potential as carriers for targeted drug delivery in the treatment of breast cancer. The functionalization of these nanoparticles with targeting ligands allows for selective binding to receptors that are overexpressed on breast cancer cells, thereby enabling the accurate delivery of therapeutic agents. Furthermore, gold nanoparticles can be engineered to respond to specific external stimuli, such as changes in pH, temperature, or light, which facilitates the controlled release of therapeutic compounds. This design strategy enhances the precision of targeting cancer cells and reduces the likelihood of unintended effects on healthy tissues. Gold nanoparticle-based nanosensors are instrumental in assessing therapeutic responses in breast cancer treatments. By functionalizing these nanoparticles with specific biomarkers that reflect treatment effectiveness, it becomes possible to monitor cellular responses in real-time. These nanosensors enable the detection of variations in the levels of proliferation and apoptotic markers, thereby offering critical information regarding the effectiveness of the treatment and informing personalized therapeutic strategies.
  • Conclusion: In summary, the exploration of gold nanoparticle-based nanosensors marks a significant advancement in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. These nanoparticles exhibit unique properties that make them excellent tools for detecting key biomarkers, including HER2/neu and BRCA1, through techniques like localized surface plasmon resonance and sophisticated imaging approaches. Beyond mere detection, these nanosensors facilitate targeted drug delivery, minimizing side effects on healthy tissues and improving therapeutic efficacy. They also allow for real-time monitoring of treatment responses, enhancing the precision of breast cancer management and enabling personalized treatment strategies tailored to individual patient needs. This research underscores the potential of these nanosensors to improve patient outcomes, ultimately contributing to higher survival rates and better quality of life for breast cancer patients. Continuing advancements in gold nanoparticle technologies are anticipated to drive further innovations in cancer diagnostics and treatment, highlighting their essential role in modern oncological care.
  • Keywords: Gold nanoparticle-based nanosensors, Breast cancer detection, Biomarker recognition, HER2/neu, BRCA1