Background: Efforts in developing various colloidal nanoparticles (NPs) as theranostic probes have been promising in the biomedical field. Specifically, colloidal gold nanoparticles (GNP) have been extensively utilized as a theranostic probe for molecular imaging and drug delivery owing to their unique physiochemical properties with excellent biocompatibility.
Objective: This review outlines and discusses the progress regarding gold nanoparticle synthesis methods for controlled geometry (spherical, rod, and cage), surface functionalization (covalent and non-covalent), and associated in vitro/in vivo cytotoxicity as well as some of the interesting diagnostic (imaging) and therapeutic (photo-thermal, drug delivery) applications.
Results and conclusion: GNP possesses several advantages compared to other traditional theranostic agents, we firmly believe that GNP based clinical approach will gain continuous interest with increasing numbers of innovations.
Keywords: Theranostic probes; diagnostic and therapy; drug delivery; gold nanoparticle; plasmon.
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