Atomically Precise Gold Nanoclusters: Towards an Optimal Biocompatible System from a Theoretical-Experimental...

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Gold nanoparticles show promise in disease diagnosis and therapy.
• Limited and inconsistent toxicity data for gold nanoparticles necessitates further investigation.
• Atomically precise gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) present a potential solution due to unique properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the advantages of atomically precise AuNCs for biomedical applications.
• To present a strategy for developing biocompatible AuNCs-based nanosystems.
• To address concerns regarding nanoparticle biofunctionalization.

Main Methods:

• Theory-experiment investigations to elucidate structural and physicochemical properties of AuNCs.
• Focus on site-specific biofunctionalization of nanoparticle surfaces.
• Integration of computational and experimental approaches.

Main Results:

• AuNCs exhibit superior stability, excellent biocompatibility, and efficient renal clearance.
• Understanding of AuNCs properties enables precise surface biofunctionalization.
• A combined approach facilitates the development of optimal AuNCs-based nanosystems.

Conclusions:

• Atomically precise AuNCs offer significant advantages over traditional gold nanoparticles for biomedical applications.
• The combination of theoretical and experimental studies is crucial for designing safe and effective AuNCs-based nanomedicines.
• Further research into AuNCs holds promise for advancing disease diagnosis and therapy.