Gold Nanoparticle Applications in Biomedical Sciences

Gold nanoparticles have emerged as versatile tools in biomedical research owing to their unique optical, electronic and chemical properties at the nanoscale. Their capacity for surface plasmon resonance grants strong light absorption and scattering, making them ideal contrast agents for imaging modalities such as optical coherence tomography and photoacoustic imaging. Tailored surface functionalisation enables selective conjugation with antibodies, peptides or nucleic acids, facilitating targeted drug and gene delivery while reducing off-target toxicity. In diagnostics, gold nanoparticles enhance the sensitivity of biosensors and lateral-flow assays, enabling rapid detection of biomarkers at low concentrations. In therapy, they serve as photothermal transducers, converting near-infrared light into heat for precise ablation of diseased tissue, and as carriers for chemotherapeutic or immunomodulatory agents. Ongoing research addresses biodistribution, biocompatibility and immune interactions to ensure safe clinical translation of these multifunctional nanoplatforms.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Studies on laser-synthesised gold nanoparticles have demonstrated exceptional biocompatibility and precise control over surface chemistry. In small-animal models, dextran-coated nanospheres produced by pulsed laser ablation in liquid showed rapid clearance from blood and predominant accumulation in liver and spleen without inducing hepatic, renal or inflammatory damage. Plasma enzyme levels and histopathological analyses confirmed the absence of acute or chronic toxicity, supporting the safety profile of this synthesis approach. These findings underscore the potential of ultrapure, ligand-free gold nanomaterials for clinical imaging and therapeutic applications where stringent purity and predictable pharmacokinetics are essential.

Gold Nanoparticle Applications in Biomedical Sciences publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in gold nanoparticle applications in biomedical sciences across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Surface plasmon resonance: Collective oscillation of conduction electrons at the nanoparticle surface upon light excitation, leading to enhanced optical absorption and scattering.

Functionalisation: Chemical modification of nanoparticle surfaces to attach targeting ligands, polymers or drugs for specific biological interactions.

Biodistribution: Spatial distribution and accumulation of nanoparticles in organs and tissues following administration.

Photothermal therapy: Treatment modality in which nanoparticles convert absorbed light into heat to ablate diseased cells.

Theranostics: Combined diagnostic and therapeutic approach enabled by a single nanoparticle platform.

References

1. Tau- and α-synuclein-targeted gold nanoparticles: applications, opportunities, and future outlooks in the diagnosis and therapy of neurodegenerative diseases. Journal of Nanobiotechnology (2024).
2. Effects of Spherical and Rod-like Gold Nanoparticles on the Reactivity of Human Peripheral Blood Leukocytes. Antioxidants (2024).
3. Gold nanoparticles attenuate the interferon-γ induced SOCS1 expression and activation of NF-κB p65/50 activity via modulation of microRNA-155-5p in triple-negative breast cancer cells. Frontiers in Immunology (2023).
4. In vivo evaluation of safety, biodistribution and pharmacokinetics of laser-synthesized gold nanoparticles. Scientific Reports (2019).