Silver‐gold alloy nanoparticles biofabricated by fungal xylanases exhibited potent biomedical and catalytic activities

LWT - Food Science and Technology, 28(1), 25-30

Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) with controlled geometrical, optical, and surface chemical properties are the subject of intensive studies and applications in biology and medicine. To date, the ever increasing diversity of published examples has included genomics and biosensorics, immunoassays and clinical chemistry, photothermolysis of cancer cells and tumors, targeted delivery of drugs and antigens, and optical bioimaging of cells and tissues with state-of-the-art nanophotonic detection systems. This critical review is focused on the application of GNP conjugates to biomedical diagnostics and analytics, photothermal and photodynamic therapies, and delivery of target molecules. Distinct from other published reviews, we present a summary of the immunological properties of GNPs. For each of the above topics, the basic principles, recent advances, and current challenges are discussed (508 references).

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have emerged as novel radiosensitizers owing to their high X-ray absorption, synthetic versatility, and unique chemical, electronic and optical properties. Multi-disciplinary research performed over the past decade has demonstrated the potential of AuNP-based radiosensitizers, and identified possible mechanisms underlying the observed radiation enhancement effects of AuNPs. Despite promising findings from pre-clinical studies, the benefits of AuNP radiosensitization have yet to successfully translate into clinical practice. In this review, we present an overview of the current state of AuNP-based radiosensitization in the context of the physical, chemical and biological modes of radiosensitization. As well, recent advancements that focus on formulation design and enable multi-modality treatment and clinical utilization are discussed, concluding with design considerations to guide the development of next generation AuNPs for clinical applications.