Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles and Their Biomedical Applications

• Published in: Nanomaterials Vol. 1; no. 1; pp. 31 - 63
• Main Authors: Tiwari, Pooja M, Vig, Komal, Dennis, Vida A, Singh, Shree R
• Format: Journal Article Book Review
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 14-06-2011; Molecular Diversity Preservation International (MDPI)
• Subjects: bioimaging; biosensor; drug delivery; functionalization; gene delivery; gold nanoparticles; Nanoparticles; Review; functionalization; gene delivery; biosensor; drug delivery; gold nanoparticles; bioimaging
• ISSN: 2079-4991; 2079-4991
• DOI: 10.3390/nano1010031

Metal nanoparticles are being extensively used in various biomedical applications due to their small size to volume ratio and extensive thermal stability. Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are an obvious choice due to their amenability of synthesis and functionalization, less toxicity and ease of detection. The present review focuses on various methods of functionalization of GNPs and their applications in biomedical research. Functionalization facilitates targeted delivery of these nanoparticles to various cell types, bioimaging, gene delivery, drug delivery and other therapeutic and diagnostic applications. This review is an amalgamation of recent advances in the field of functionalization of gold nanoparticles and their potential applications in the field of medicine and biology.