Issue 11, 2018

Photosensitiser-gold nanoparticle conjugates for photodynamic therapy of cancer

Abstract

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been extensively studied within biomedicine due to their biocompatibility and low toxicity. In particular, AuNPs have been widely used to deliver photosensitiser agents for photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cancer. Here we review the state-of-the-art for the functionalisation of the gold nanoparticle surface with both photosensitisers and targeting ligands for the active targeting of cancer cell surface receptors. From the initial use of the AuNPs as a simple carrier of the photosensitiser for PDT, the field has significantly advanced to include: the use of PEGylated modification to provide aqueous compatibility and stealth properties for in vivo use; gold metal-surface enhanced singlet oxygen generation; functionalisation of the AuNP surface with biological ligands to specifically target over-expressed receptors on the surface of cancer cells and; the creation of nanorods and nanostars to enable combined PDT and photothermal therapies. These versatile AuNPs have significantly enhanced the efficacy of traditional photosensitisers for both in vitro and in vivo cancer therapy. From this review it is apparent that AuNPs have an important future in the treatment of cancer.

Graphical abstract: Photosensitiser-gold nanoparticle conjugates for photodynamic therapy of cancer

Article information

Article type
Perspective
Submitted
27 jun 2018
Accepted
07 aug 2018
First published
17 aug 2018

Photochem. Photobiol. Sci., 2018,17, 1534-1552

Photosensitiser-gold nanoparticle conjugates for photodynamic therapy of cancer

P. García Calavia, G. Bruce, L. Pérez-García and D. A. Russell, Photochem. Photobiol. Sci., 2018, 17, 1534 DOI: 10.1039/C8PP00271A

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