Gold nanoparticle (AuNP) has distinct physical and optical properties, such as surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), quantized charging effect, localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), and nonlinear optical properties. These properties make AuNPs become excellent scaffolds for the fabrication of biosensors. In recent years, AuNP-based in vitro diagnostics (IVD) has drawn considerable research interest. For example, the plasmon resonance of AuNPs in the visible range can be employed to detect particle structures using dark-field microscopy. The powerful approach based on AuNPs has been extended to detect targets such as DNA, mRNA, and proteins.
Fig.1 Schematic diagram of AuNPs in bio-nanotechnology. (Yeh, 2012)
Compared with other nanomaterials, AuNPs have some advantages which make them particularly suitable for IVD. Firstly, the synthesis of AuNPs can be easily and reproducibly realized in common chemical laboratories. Secondly, the size, shape, aggregation state, and surface properties of AuNPs can be finely tuned, which is highly important in creating chemical and biological sensors.
Fig.2 Applications of AuNPs in bio-nanotechnology. (Yeh, 2012)
Cancer is a disease state caused by abnormal cell growth and is the third leading cause of mortality worldwide. Current cancer treatment is based on chemotherapeutic drugs, usually involving chemo or radiation therapy, with the aim to kill the cancer cells. However, these treatments often result in several side effects due to the damage to the surrounding healthy tissues. In addition, delays in diagnosis and a high incidence of relapse result in lower survival rates.
Treating cancer cells by utilizing a nanoparticle-based drug delivery approach plays a key role in overcoming the limitations of conventional treatment methodologies. In human cancer and cell biology, various types of gold nanoparticles, such as gold nanorods, nanocages, nanostars, nanocubes, and nanospheres, have become effective tools. Their application in cancer diagnostics and therapeutic development has been widely studied due to their favorable optical and physical properties.
Fig.3 AuNP-based bio-barcode detection strategy. (Yeh, 2012)
Photothermal therapy (PTT) is referred to as photon-mediated induction of the localized therapeutic temperature that can stimulate hyperthermic physiological responses. This therapy uses gold nanoparticles that can exhibit SPR and efficiently convert light into heat. A study on PTT showed that gold nanoparticles and branched gold nanoparticles functionalized with sdAbs can effectively kill cancer cells leaving healthy cells unharmed. In another study, gold nanoparticles conjugated with immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies were used to specifically target cluster of differentiation 8 (CD8) receptors on lymphocytes where 95% of the AuNP-IgG treated cells were killed.
With excellent expert team and advanced instruments, Creative Biolabs has been rooted in IVD development for many years. For more detailed information, please feel free to contact us.
Reference
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