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Updated: Jul 4, 2026
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A Simple Method for the Size Controlled Synthesis of Stable Oligomeric Clusters of Gold Nanoparticles under Ambient Conditions
Published on: February 5, 2016
Colloidal metallic gold is not bio-inert.
C L Brown1, M W Whitehouse, E R T Tiekink
1Eskitis Institute for Cell and Molecular Therapies, School of Biomolecular & Physical Science, Griffith University, Brisbane, Qld., 4111, Australia. c.l.brown@griffith.edu.au
Inflammopharmacology
|June 4, 2008
Summary
Metallic gold nanoparticles, particularly Tyndall's purple, demonstrate potent anti-arthritic effects in rats. This colloidal metallic gold (CMG) shows significantly higher efficacy than traditional treatments, suggesting novel therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Materials Science
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Monovalent gold (Au(I)) can biotransform into metallic gold (Au degrees), either through bioreduction or spontaneous dismutation.
- Metallic gold nanoparticles (colloidal metallic gold, CMG) are being investigated for their biological properties.
- Existing gold-based drugs like sodium aurothiomalate (Myocrysin) are used as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the preparation and biologically relevant properties of nano-particulate colloidal metallic gold (CMG).
- To evaluate the anti-arthritic activity of a specific CMG preparation, Tyndall's purple.
- To compare the efficacy and spectrum of action of CMG with a classic DMARD.
Main Methods:
- Discussion of preparation methods for colloidal metallic gold (CMG).
- Characterization of Tyndall's purple, a specific CMG preparation.
- In vivo testing of anti-arthritic activity in rat models.
- Comparative analysis against sodium aurothiomalate (Myocrysin).
Main Results:
- Tyndall's purple, a characterized CMG preparation, exhibits potent anti-arthritic activity in rats.
- The anti-arthritic efficacy of Tyndall's purple is approximately 1000 times greater than that of sodium aurothiomalate.
- Tyndall's purple demonstrates a broader spectrum of action in rats compared to the classic DMARD.
Conclusions:
- Colloidal metallic gold (CMG), particularly Tyndall's purple, shows significant promise as an anti-arthritic agent.
- CMG offers superior potency and a wider range of therapeutic effects compared to established gold-based DMARDs.
- Further research into CMG could lead to novel treatments for arthritis.
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