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Gold and Silver Nanoparticles for Applications in Theranostics.
Patrizia Di Pietro, Gaetano Strano, Lidia Zuccarello
1Department of Chemical Sciences, Catania University, P.O. Box: 95125, Catania, Italy. csatriano@unict.it.
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry
|July 19, 2016
Summary
Noble metal nanoparticles, like gold and silver, offer versatile platforms for theranostics. This review covers their properties, synthesis, applications in imaging and therapy, functionalization, and nanotoxicity for future targeted delivery.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Materials Science
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Noble metal nanoparticles (gold, silver) possess unique photonic, electronic, catalytic, and therapeutic properties.
- Their synthesis versatility (size, shape) and surface functionalization enable multifunctional theranostic platforms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent developments in gold and silver nanoparticles for theranostic applications.
- To cover intrinsic properties, synthesis, applications, surface functionalization, and nanotoxicity.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent literature on gold and silver nanoparticles.
- Analysis of synthesis methods (chemical, physical, green).
- Examination of applications in biosensing, imaging, diagnosis, and therapy.
Main Results:
- Gold and silver nanoparticles are increasingly used in theranostics due to their tunable properties.
- Surface functionalization is key for targeted delivery, drug loading/release, and controlled cellular uptake.
- Nanotoxicity remains a critical consideration for clinical translation.
Conclusions:
- Gold and silver nanoparticles represent promising multifunctional platforms for advanced theranostic applications.
- Future strategies should focus on enhancing efficacy, targeted delivery, and safety profiles.
- Continued research into synthesis, functionalization, and nanotoxicity is essential for clinical translation.
