This review presents recent advances in the surface engineering of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) applicable for their therapeutic use, with a particular focus on the following three topics: (1) surface design for enhanced cellular uptake, (2) capsule-like assembly of AuNPs for drug delivery and (3) engineering of AuNPs as vaccine adjuvants. We discuss the importance of surface ligands in regulating and enhancing cell–nanoparticle interactions toward the creation of smart therapeutic nanomaterials.
- Kenya Kobayashi
- Jinjian Wei
- Kenichi Niikura