Functionalized gold nanostructures: promising gene delivery vehicles in cancer treatment

Abstract

Surface-modified gold nanoparticles are recognized as promising gene delivery vehicles in the treatment of cancer owing to their excellent biocompatibility with biomolecules (like DNA or RNA) and their unique optical and structural properties. In this context, this review article focuses on the diverse transfection abilities of the gene to the targeted cell on the basis of different shapes and sizes of gold nanoparticles in order to promote its effective expression for cancer treatment. In addition, recent trends in gold nanoparticle mediated gene silencing, gene delivery, detection and combinatory therapies are highlighted considering their cytotoxic effects on healthy human cells.

Fig. 1. Gene silencing on targeted cancer cell site using white LED light (∼700 nm emission). Gold nanorods-assembled ZnGa₂O₄–Cr nanofibers for LED-amplified gene silencing.

Fig. 2. Schematic illustration for modification of AuNPs via polyethyleneimine.

Fig. 3. Schematic representation for miRNA detection using AuNP – 2′-OMe-DNA probes.

Fig. 4. Depiction of targeted gene delivery of GF/DNA (i) in vitro and (ii) in vivo.

Fig. 5. Schematic illustration of PEI-Au/siRNA onto ZGOC nanofibers.

Fig. 6. Combinatory therapy representing schematic illustration of SPR sensing system for detecting miRNA.

Sanjay Kumar

Anchita Diwan

Parinita Singh

Shikha Gulati

Devanshu Choudhary

Ayush Mongia

Shefali Shukla

Akanksha Gupta