Therapeutic platforms based on gold nanoparticles and their covalent conjugates with drug molecules

Adv Drug Deliv Rev. 2013 May;65(5):663-76. doi: 10.1016/j.addr.2012.05.004. Epub 2012 May 18.

Abstract

This review will first look at the various covalent strategies that have been developed to attach drugs to gold nanoparticles as well as the strengths and limitations of such strategies. After examining general strategies for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles and their subsequent covalent functionalization, this review will focus on nanoparticle conjugates for gene therapy, antibacterial, and anticancer applications including the use of gold nanoparticles with intrinsically therapeutic properties. The effects of targeting and cellular uptake of gold nanoparticles will also be discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemical synthesis
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / metabolism
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemical synthesis
  • Antineoplastic Agents / metabolism
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Drug Carriers / chemical synthesis
  • Drug Carriers / metabolism
  • Drug Carriers / therapeutic use*
  • Gold / chemistry
  • Gold / metabolism
  • Gold / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Metal Nanoparticles / chemistry
  • Metal Nanoparticles / therapeutic use*
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations / administration & dosage*
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations / chemical synthesis
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations / metabolism

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Drug Carriers
  • Pharmaceutical Preparations
  • Gold