Issue 11, 2020

Gold nanoclusters for biomedical applications: toward in vivo studies

Abstract

In parallel with the rapidly growing and widespread use of nanomedicine in the clinic, we are also witnessing the development of so-called theranostic agents that combine diagnostic and therapeutic properties. Among them, ultra-small gold nanoclusters (Au NCs) show promising potential due to their optical properties and activatable therapeutic activities under irradiation. Furthermore, due to their hydrodynamic diameter of smaller than 6 nm and unique biophysical properties, they also present intriguing behaviors in biological and physio-pathological environments. In this review, we aim to present the latest research studies published on such nanoparticles in animals. We also propose guidelines to identify the main physico-chemical parameters that govern the behaviour of Au NCs after administration in small animals, notably concerning their renal elimination and their ability to accumulate in tumors. Then, we present recent advances in their use as theranostic agents putting them in parallel with other contrast agents.

Graphical abstract: Gold nanoclusters for biomedical applications: toward in vivo studies

Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
06 dec 2019
Accepted
22 jan 2020
First published
18 feb 2020
This article is Open Access
Creative Commons BY-NC license

J. Mater. Chem. B, 2020,8, 2216-2232

Gold nanoclusters for biomedical applications: toward in vivo studies

E. Porret, X. Le Guével and J. Coll, J. Mater. Chem. B, 2020, 8, 2216 DOI: 10.1039/C9TB02767J

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