Biogenic gold nanoparticles: As a potential candidate for brain tumor directed drug delivery

Abstract

Gold nanoparticles have tremendous application in the area of nanotechnology that raises new possibility in the treatment of brain tumor. These nanoparticles can be used for selectively gaining access to tumor due to their small size and modifiability. Gold nanoparticles are functionalized with various molecules such as anticancer drug, transferrin and monoclonal antibody to produce nanocarriers. These nanocarriers have ability to deliver the drug at targeted site. Transferrin crosses the blood-brain barrier because of the receptor-mediated endocytosis. The monoclonal antibody facilitates the release of anticancer drug at targeted sites. This approach of delivery saves the normal cells surrounding the tumor.

Keywords: blood–brain barrier (BBB); brain tumor; gold nanoparticles; targeted drug delivery; transferrin.