Gold nanoparticles in cancer therapy

Abstract

The rapid advancement of nanotechnology in recent years has fuelled a burgeoning interest in the field of nanoparticle research, in particular, its application in the medical arena. A constantly expanding knowledge based on a better understanding of the properties of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) coupled with relentless experimentation means that the frontiers of nanotechnology are constantly being challenged. At present, there seems to be heightened interest in the application of AuNPs to the management of cancer, encompassing diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of the disease. These efforts are undertaken in the hope of revolutionizing current methods of treatment and treatment strategies for a multifactorial disease such as cancer. This review will focus on the current applications of AuNPs in cancer management.

Figure 1

Schematic diagram showing the localization of antibody conjugated gold to receptors present on the plasma membrane of cells.

Figure 2

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of AuNP treated MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The cells were treated with 1 nmol/L AuNP for 72 h. (A) A cluster of AuNPs (indicated by an arrow) is found in the cytoplasm of a cell. Bar=0.2 μm. (B) TEM specimens were subjected for elemental analysis with a CM120 BioTWIN electron microscope coupled with a Philips EDAX Microanalysis system. The electron dense particles in AuNP treated cells showed the presence of two peaks corresponding to the gold M shell (2.2 KeV) and L shell (9.7 KeV). The treatment sample, registered a P/B ratio (ratio of the intensity of the detected element against the background) of 230.27 (Au L shell). For the element to be significantly present in the sample, the P/B ratio value needs to be 3.0 and above.

Figure 3

Schematic diagram showing AuNP carriers conjugated with anticancer drugs and ligands which are recognized by receptors on the surface of tumor cells.

Figure 4

Schematic diagram showing accumulation of ligand-targeted gold nanoparticles conjugated with anticancer drugs in cancer cells mediated via extravasation of the gold nanocarriers through gaps in the endothelial cells (“leaky tumor vasculature”).