The Development of Gold Nanomaterials for Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis

Abstract

Nowadays, gold - based nanomaterials have emerged as a highly promising candidate for cancer treatment, garnering significant attention. Their distinctive optical, electronic, and physicochemical characteristics endow them with diverse therapeutic approaches. For instance, photothermal therapy mechanisms, gold nanomaterials are capable of efficiently converting light energy into heat. Under laser irradiation, they can selectively eliminate cancer cells. Moreover, these nanomaterials can serve as drug carriers for targeted drug delivery. By doing so, they enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs while reducing the side - effects associated with them. This paper provides an overview of the most recent breakthroughs in cancer treatment using gold nanomaterials.