Biomedical Application of Gold Nanoparticles in Different Cancers

Abstract

Nanoparticles (NPs) have significantly advanced traditional cancer diagnosis, offering enhanced efficiency and expeditious processes. Their exceptional characteristics, including larger surface area, increased volume proportion, and superior targeting capabilities, contribute to their prominence. NPs exhibit low toxicity on healthy cells, thereby improving bioavailability and half-life. This is attributed to their effective penetration of epithelial fenestrations and tissues. Consequently, NPs have garnered considerable attention across diverse disciplines, emerging as highly promising materials in biomedical applications, particularly in the realm of disease diagnosis and treatment. In contemporary biomedical practices, numerous drugs are either presented in nanoparticle form or coated with them, facilitating precise targeting of tumors or afflicted organs while minimizing harm to normal tissues or cells. Various types of nanoparticles, encompassing metallic, magnetic, polymeric, metal oxide, quantum dots, graphene, fullerene, liposomes, carbon nanotubes, and dendrimers, exhibit significant potential in the domain of cancer treatment and diagnosis. Notably, nanoparticles have demonstrated intrinsic anticancer activity in several studies, exerting antioxidant effects and impeding tumor growth. Furthermore, they enable controlled drug release, enhancing efficiency and minimizing side effects. In the context of cancer diagnosis, nanomaterials like microbubbles serve as molecular imaging agents for ultrasound imaging. This comprehensive review delves into the diverse types of nanoparticles commonly employed in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, elucidating their multifaceted applications and contributions to the field.