Formulation of gold nanoparticles with hibiscus and curcumin extracts induced anti-cancer activity

Impact of metallic nanoparticles on gut microbiota modulation in colorectal cancer: A review

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most prevalent cancer. Ongoing research aims to uncover the causes of CRC, with a growing focus on the role of gut microbiota (GM) in carcinogenesis. The GM influences CRC development, progression, treatment efficacy, and therapeutic toxicities. For example, Fusobacterium nucleatum and Escherichia coli can regulate microbial gene expression through the incorporation of human small noncode RNA and potentially contribute to cancer progression. Metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) have both negative and positive impacts on GM, depending on their type. Several studies state that titanium dioxide may increase the diversity, richness, and abundance of probiotics bacteria, whereas other studies demonstrate dose-dependent GM dysbiosis. The MNPs offer cytotoxicity through the modulation of MAPK signaling pathways, NF-kB signaling pathways, PI3K/Akt signaling pathways, extrinsic signaling pathways, intrinsic apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest at G1, G2, or M phase. MNPs enhance drug delivery, enable targeted therapy, and may restore GM. However, there is a need to conduct well-designed clinical trials to assess the toxicity, safety, and effectiveness of MNPs-based CRC therapies.

Green synthesis, characterization, morphological diversity, and colorectal cancer cytotoxicity of gold nanoparticles

The synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) via green methods is advantageous due to their economic viability, reduced environmental pollution, and safety towards human health. According to our best knowledge, there is limited documented research on synthesizing AuNPs using gum Arabic (GA) and cinnamon (CNM) and studying their anticancer activities against colorectal cancer cells. This study presents a simple approach to synthesizing AuNPs using GA and CNM, characterized by advanced analytical techniques, including UV-Vis and FTIR spectroscopies, SEM, EDS, TEM, SAED, Zeta sizer, and Zeta potential. The absorption spectra displayed characteristic bands between 520-530 nm, confirming the successful synthesis of AuNPs. TEM analysis revealed that AuNPs@GA exhibited a spherical shape, while AuNPs@CNM displayed diverse morphologies (e.g., spherical, hexagonal, and diamond shapes) with average sizes of approximately 12 nm and 17 nm, respectively. SEM/EDS data confirmed the presence of AuNPs alongside organic compounds such as carbon, oxygen, and phosphorus. The cytotoxic effects of these AuNPs were evaluated on colorectal cancer cells (HCT-116) and healthy cells (HEK-293) using an MTT assay. Notably, AuNPs@GA resulted in a 43.61% loss in cell viability at the dose of 5 μg mL-1, while AuNPs@CNM led to an impressive 80.33% loss. The calculated IC50 values were 9.14 μg mL-1 for AuNPs@GA and 11.76 μg mL-1 for AuNPs@CNM, highlighting the potential of these AuNPs as effective agents in colon cancer treatment. This study not only addresses the lack of research on GA and CNM in NP synthesis but also demonstrates their promising anticancer properties, paving the way for further exploration in cancer therapeutics.

Amelioration of gold nanoparticles mediated through Ocimum oil extracts induces reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial instability against MCF-7 breast carcinoma

Phytomedicines are potential immunity-boosting components with effective anticystic properties, minimal side effects, and biomedical applications, making them valuable for combating various diseases. India is renowned globally for Ayurveda, an ancient treatment methodology known for its holistic approach in identifying the root cause of diseases. Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) is a common household medicine in India. While essential oils from plants like Tulsi have long been recognized for their medicinal properties, there is a gap in understanding their potential in synthesizing gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and their efficacy against breast carcinoma, particularly in the context of immunosuppressive conditions. We investigated the potential application of essential oils isolated from O. sanctum in the synthesis of AuNPs and their efficacy against MCF-7 breast carcinoma. Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy identified compounds with potential anticancer effects against breast cancer cells. Synthesised AuNPs displayed high hemocompatibility and antimicrobial activity against nosocomial Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Vibrio cholerae, and Bacillus subtilis strains. Os-AuNPs induced chromosomal instability and mitotic arrest in the G2/M cell cycle phase. Subsequent fluorescence and cell cytometry studies demonstrated the systemic release of ROS, depolarisation of mitochondrial membrane potential, and production of apoptotic bodies. DNA damage and comet assays confirmed the anticancer potential of synthesised AuNPs. This study illuminates the potential of O. sanctum-derived AuNPs in breast carcinoma treatment, paving the way for future AuNP-based therapies in biomedicine.

Novel approach for green synthesis of stable gold nanoparticles with dried turmeric root extract: investigations on sensor and catalytic applications

In this study, we present the synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) using a completely green synthesis method without the use of any additional functionalizing agent, except dried turmeric root extract. The significant synthesis parameters were optimized, and the applicability of AuNPs was investigated in areas such as plasmonic and fluorescent sensing of aluminum (Al3⁺) and chromium (Cr3⁺) ions, reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP), and degradation of methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO) dyes. Characterization studies were performed using UV-Vis spectroscopy, TEM, FTIR, and XRD, revealing that the AuNPs predominantly had a spherical morphology and a very small particle size of 8.5 nm, with stability maintained up to 120 days. The developed AuNP-based plasmonic sensors relied on aggregation-induced decreases in absorption, along with a red shift in the spectra. Fluorescence sensing demonstrated a linear increase in intensity with increasing concentrations of Al3⁺ and Cr3⁺, with detection limits of 0.83 and 1.19 nM, respectively. The catalytic activities of AuNPs were tested in reducing 4-NP and degradations of MB and MO dyes (binary system) in tap water and wastewater, with the reactions following pseudo-first-order kinetics. This study highlights the potential of AuNPs synthesized from turmeric roots for various environmental and sensing applications.

Inorganic nanoparticle-based treatment approaches for colorectal cancer: recent advancements and challenges

Colorectal cancer, the third most prevalent cancer globally, contributes significantly to mortality rates, with over 1.9 million reported cases and nearly 935,000 fatalities annually. Surgical resection is a primary approach for localized colorectal tumors, with adjunct therapies like chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted/immunotherapy considered depending on the tumor stage. However, despite preferences for targeted and immunotherapy post-surgery, chemotherapy remains commonly chosen due to its lower cost and high cancer-killing efficiency. Yet, chemotherapy faces issues such as tumor resistance and severe side effects. Nanotechnology has emerged in cancer therapy by alleviating the drawbacks of current treatment approaches. In the past few decades, inorganic nanoparticles have shown promise in combating colorectal cancer, offering advantages over conventional chemotherapy. Compared to organic nanoparticles, inorganic nanoparticles exhibit properties like photosensitivity, conductivity, magnetic allure, and thermal proficiency, allowing them to function as both drug carriers and therapeutic agents. Derived primarily from carbon, silica, metals, and metal oxides, they offer superior drug-loading capacity, heightened quantum yield, and participation in advanced photothermal and photodynamic therapies. This review provides a brief overview of the pathophysiology of colorectal cancer and the pivotal role of inorganic nanoparticles in photothermal therapy photodynamic therapy, and drug delivery. Additionally, it discusses numerous inorganic nanoparticles in colorectal cancer therapy based on recent literature.

Tackling breast cancer with gold nanoparticles: twinning synthesis and particle engineering with efficacy

The World Health Organization identifies breast cancer as the most prevalent cancer despite predominantly affecting women. Surgery, hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are the current treatment modalities. Site-directed nanotherapeutics, engineered with multidimensional functionality are now the frontrunners in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Gold nanoparticles with their unique colloidal, optical, quantum, magnetic, mechanical, and electrical properties have become the most valuable weapon in this arsenal. Their advantages include facile modulation of shape and size, a high degree of reproducibility and stability, biocompatibility, and ease of particle engineering to induce multifunctionality. Additionally, the surface plasmon oscillation and high atomic number of gold provide distinct advantages for tailor-made diagnosis, therapy or theranostic applications in breast cancer such as photothermal therapy, radiotherapy, molecular labeling, imaging, and sensing. Although pre-clinical and clinical data are promising for nano-dimensional gold, their clinical translation is hampered by toxicity signs in major organs like the liver, kidneys and spleen. This has instigated global scientific brainstorming to explore feasible particle synthesis and engineering techniques to simultaneously improve the efficacy and versatility and widen the safety window of gold nanoparticles. The present work marks the first study on gold nanoparticle design and maneuvering techniques, elucidating their impact on the pharmacodynamics character and providing a clear-cut scientific roadmap for their fast-track entry into clinical practice.

Breaking Barriers in Eco-Friendly Synthesis of Plant-Mediated Metal/Metal Oxide/Bimetallic Nanoparticles: Antibacterial, Anticancer, Mechanism Elucidation, and Versatile Utilizations

Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising field in pharmaceutical research, involving producing unique nanoscale materials with sizes up to 100 nm via physiochemical and biological approaches. Nowadays more emphasis has been given to eco-friendly techniques for developing nanomaterials to enhance their biological applications and minimize health and environmental risks. With the help of green nanotechnology, a wide range of green metal, metal oxide, and bimetallic nanoparticles with distinct chemical compositions, sizes, and morphologies have been manufactured which are safe, economical, and environment friendly. Due to their biocompatibility and vast potential in biomedical (antibacterial, anticancer, antiviral, analgesic, anticoagulant, biofilm inhibitory activity) and in other fields such as (nanofertilizers, fermentative, food, and bioethanol production, construction field), green metal nanoparticles have garnered significant interest worldwide. The metal precursors combined with natural extracts such as plants, algae, fungi, and bacteria to get potent novel metal, metal oxide, and bimetallic nanoparticles such as Ag, Au, Co, Cu, Fe, Zr, Zn, Ni, Pt, Mg, Ti, Pd, Cd, Bi2O3, CeO2, Co3O4, CoFe2O4, CuO, Fe2O3, MgO, NiO, TiO2, ZnO, ZrO2, Ag-Au, Ag-Cr, Ag-Cu, Ag-Zn, Ag-CeO2, Ag-CuO, Ag-SeO2, Ag-TiO2, Ag-ZnO, Cu-Ag, Cu-Mg, Cu-Ni, Pd-Pt, Pt-Ag, ZnO-CuO, ZnO-SeO, ZnO-Se, Se-Zr, and Co-Bi2O3. These plant-mediated green nanoparticles possess excellent antibacterial and anticancer activity when tested against several microorganisms and cancer cell lines. Plants contain essential phytoconstituents (polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, glycosides, alkaloids, etc.) compared to other natural sources (bacteria, fungi, and algae) in higher concentration that play a vital role in the development of green metal, metal oxide, and bimetallic nanoparticles because these plant-phytoconstituents act as a reducing, stabilizing, and capping agent and helps in the development of green nanoparticles. After concluding all these findings, this review has been designed for the first time in such a way that it imparts satisfactory knowledge about the antibacterial and anticancer activity of plant-mediated green metal, metal oxide, and bimetallic nanoparticles together, along with antibacterial and anticancer mechanisms. Additionally, it provides information about characterization techniques (UV–vis, FT-IR, DLS, XRD, SEM, TEM, BET, AFM) employed for plant-mediated nanoparticles, biomedical applications, and their role in other industries. Hence, this review provides information about the antibacterial and anticancer activity of various types of plant-mediated green metal, metal oxide, and bimetallic nanoparticles and their versatile application in diverse fields which is not covered in other pieces of literature.

Novel reusable and switchable deep eutectic solvent for extraction and determination of curcumin in water and food samples

For the first time, a fast and easy extraction method based on a unique reusable and switchable deep eutectic solvent (made of octylamine, succinic acid, and water as precursors) was presented and utilized for the microextraction and determination of curcumin as a model analyte. The main factors used to induce a phase transition in the as-prepared deep eutectic solvent were solutions of NaOH and HCl. Among the standout characteristics of the suggested deep eutectic solvent are the removal of toxic organic solvents like THF, the lack of a need for centrifugation, and the ability to be reused in subsequent extractions. The influence of effective parameters (i.e., proportions of deep eutectic solvent structure components, volume of prepared deep eutectic solvent, volume and concertation of NaOH, volume of HCl, and salt effect) on the extraction procedure were investigated. The calibration curve also was linear in the range of 35-500 μg L-1 with coefficients of determination (R2) of 0.9976. Limit of detection (S/N = 3) 10.0 μg L-1, the limit of quantification (LOQ) of 35.0 μg L-1, the relative standard deviations (RSDs %) composed of intra-day RSD (4.7) and inter-day RSD (6.4), preconcentration factor of 40.0, enrichment factor of 38.68, and relative recovery of 92.6%-100.3 % were achieved. The reusable and switchable deep eutectic solvent based-dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction technique was proficiently employed to expedite easy and fast extraction of curcumin from water and food samples.

Toxicological Effects of Metal Nanoparticles Employed in Biomedicine: Biocompatibility, Clinical Trials, and Future Perspective

Metal nanoparticles play a crucial role in the medical industry due to its desirable properties such as antimicrobial activity, anti‐cancer property, and its application in disease diagnostics. These properties enable the nanoparticles to be used as efficient medical devices for various treatments as well as drug delivery systems. Despite all the positives, metal nanoparticles are known for causing toxicity in the living system. The toxicological effects of metal nanoparticles are due to their size, surface*e coating, and the dose administered. Therefore, it is important to study the toxic effects of these nanoparticles before they are used as medical devices for various treatments. This review focuses on the five major metal nanoparticles used in the medical field, namely; silver, gold, iron oxide, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide nanoparticles. The non‐exhaustive review consists of an introduction to the toxicological effects of these nanoparticles, the biocompatibility, and the current and future clinical perspective on metal nanoparticles.

Streptomyces monashensis MSK03-mediated synthesis of gold nanoparticles: characterization and antibacterial activity

Nanotechnology is a cutting-edge field with diverse applications, particularly in the utilization of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) due to their stability and biocompatibility. AuNPs serve as pivotal components in medical applications, with a specific emphasis on their significant antibacterial efficacy. This study focuses on synthesizing AuNPs using the cell-free supernatant of Streptomyces monashensis MSK03, isolated from terrestrial soil in Thailand. The biosynthesis process involved utilizing the cell-free supernatant of S. monashensis MSK03 and hydrogen tetrachloroauric acid (HAuCl4) under controlled conditions of 37 °C and 200 rpm agitation. Characterization studies revealed spherical AuNPs with sizes ranging from 7.1 to 40.0 nm (average size: 23.2 ± 10.7 nm), as confirmed by TEM. UV-Vis spectroscopy indicated a localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) band at 545 nm, while XRD analysis confirmed a crystalline structure with characteristics of cubic lattice surfaces. The capping molecules on the surface of AuNPs carry a negative charge, indicated by a Zeta potential of -26.35 mV, and FTIR analysis identified functional groups involved in reduction and stabilization. XANES spectra further confirmed the successful reduction of Au3+ to Au0. Moreover, the synthesized AuNPs demonstrated antibacterial activity against drug-resistant strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii. Interestingly, the AuNPs showed non-toxicity to Vero cell lines. These significant antibacterial properties of the produced nanoparticles mean they hold great promise as new antimicrobial treatments for tackling the increasing issue of antibiotic resistance.

Transfection of Unmodified MicroRNA Using Monolayer-Coated Au Nanoparticles as Gene-Delivery Vehicles

This article describes a monolayer-coated gold nanoparticle-based transfection system for the delivery of microRNA (miRNA) into human osteosarcoma (HOS) cells. Two distinct ammonium-terminated adsorbates were used in this study, which provided a platform for ionic bonding of the miRNA onto gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The custom-designed monolayer-coated gold nanoparticles were characterized by dynamic light scattering, gel mobility shift assay, transmission electron microscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectrometry, zeta potential, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The miRNA-loaded gold nanoparticles were transfected, and the level of intracellular miRNA delivered and taken up by cells was measured by Taqman qPCR. The overall analysis indicated a successful delivery of miRNA into the HOS cells at an ∼11,000-fold increase compared to nontreated cells.

Nanotechnology and curcumin: a novel and promising approach in digestive cancer therapy

This study reviews the application of nanotechnology and curcumin, a polyphenol extracted from turmeric, in treating digestive cancers, one of the most common types of malignancies worldwide. Despite curcumin's potential for inhibiting tumor growth, its clinical application is hindered by issues such as poor solubility and bioavailability. Nanomedicine, with its unique ability to enhance drug delivery and reduce toxicity, offers a solution to these limitations. The paper focuses on the development of nanoformulations of curcumin, such as nanoparticles and liposomes, that improve its bioavailability and efficacy in treating digestive cancers, including liver and colorectal cancers. The study serves as a valuable reference for future research and development in this promising therapeutic approach.

Artificial neural network approach for prediction of AuNPs biosynthesis by Streptomyces flavolimosus, characterization, antitumor potency in-vitro and in-vivo against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have emerged as promising and versatile nanoparticles for cancer therapy and are widely used in drug and gene delivery, biomedical imaging, diagnosis, and biosensors. The current study describes a biological-based strategy for AuNPs biosynthesis using the cell-free supernatant of Streptomyces flavolimosus. The biosynthesized AuNPs have an absorption peak at 530-535 nm. The TEM images indicate that AuNPs were spherical and ranged in size from 4 to 20 nm. The surface capping molecules of AuNPs are negatively charged, having a Zeta potential of - 10.9 mV. FTIR analysis revealed that the AuNPs surface composition contains a variety of functional groups as -OH, C-H, N-, C=O, NH3+, amine hydrochloride, amide group of proteins, C-C and C-N. The bioprocess variables affecting AuNPs biosynthesis were optimized by using the central composite design (CCD) in order to maximize the AuNPs biosynthesis. The maximum yield of AuNPs (866.29 µg AuNPs/mL) was obtained using temperature (35 °C), incubation period (4 days), HAuCl4 concentration (1000 µg/mL) and initial pH level 6. Comparison was made between the fitness of CCD versus Artificial neural network (ANN) approach based on their prediction and the corresponding experimental results. AuNPs biosynthesis values predicted by ANN exhibit a more reasonable agreement with the experimental result. The anticancer activities of AuNPs were assessed under both in vitro and in vivo conditions. The results revealed a significant inhibitory effect on the proliferation of the MCF-7 and Hela carcinoma cell lines treated with AuNPs with IC50 value of 13.4 ± 0.44 μg/mL and 13.8 ± 0.45 μg/mL for MCF-7 and Hela cells; respectively. Further, AuNPs showed potential inhibitory effect against tumor growth in tumor-bearing mice models. AuNPs significantly reduced the tumor volume, tumor weight, and decreased number of viable tumor cells in EAC bearing mice.

Cutaneous Polymeric-Micelles-Based Hydrogel Containing Origanum vulgare L. Essential Oil: In Vitro Release and Permeation, Angiogenesis, and Safety Profile In Ovo

Origanum vulgare var. vulgare essential oil (OEO) is known as a natural product with multiple beneficial effects with application in dermatology. Oregano essential oil represents a potential natural therapeutic alternative for fibroepithelial polyps (FPs), commonly known as skin tags. Innovative formulations have been developed to improve the bioavailability and stability of essential oils. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the morphology of a polymeric-micelles-based hydrogel (OEO-PbH), the release and permeation profile of oregano essential oil, as well as to assess in vivo the potential effects on the degree of biocompatibility and the impact on angiogenesis in ovo, using a chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis indicated a regular aspect after the encapsulation process, while in vitro release studies showed a sustained release of the essential oil. None of the tested samples induced any irritation on the CAM and the limitation of the angiogenic process was noted. OEO-PbH, with a sustained release of OEO, potentially enhances the anti-angiogenic effect while being well tolerated and non-irritative by the vascularized CAM, especially on the blood vessels (BVs) in the presence of leptin treatment. This is the first evidence of in vivo antiangiogenic effects of a polymeric-micelle-loaded oregano essential oil, with further mechanistic insights for OEO-PbH formulation, involving leptin as a possible target. The findings suggest that the OEO-containing polymeric micelle hydrogel represents a potential future approach in the pathology of cutaneous FP and other angiogenesis-related conditions.

Curcumin loaded gold nanoparticles-chitosan/sodium alginate nanocomposite for nanotheranostic applications

A solvent casting technique was used for the preparation of biomimetic nanocomposites scaffolds at three various concentrations of Curcumin loaded gold nanoparticles (Cur-AuNPs-1, 1.5, and 2 ml) as filler materials with chitosan-sodium alginate composite. The physico-chemical properties of prepared Cu-Au NPs and biomimetic nanocomposites were analyzed using various characterization techniques. In vitro biocompatibility of biomimetic nanocomposites are determined using simulated body fluid for biomineralization property, HAp formation and phosphate buffer saline (PBS) for swelling property, protein adsorption. Antibacterial activity of Cur-Au NPs and their nanocomposites carried out against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus. In vitro cytotoxicity of Cur-AuNPs is identified against UC-6 and MDA-MB 231 cell lines. The use of above studies and activity of Cur-AuNPs with contain biomimetic nanocomposites can adoptable for nanotheranostics.

Proteomics revealed the crosstalk between copper stress and cuproptosis, and explored the feasibility of curcumin as anticancer copper ionophore

As an essential micronutrient element in organisms, copper controls a host of fundamental cellular functions. Recently, copper-dependent cell growth and proliferation have been defined as "cuproplasia". Conversely, "cuproptosis" represents copper-dependent cell death, in a nonapoptotic manner. So far, a series of copper ionophores have been developed to kill cancer cells. However, the biological response mechanism of copper uptake has not been systematically analyzed. Based on quantitative proteomics, we revealed the crosstalk between copper stress and cuproptosis in cancer cells, and also explored the feasibility of curcumin as anticancer copper ionophore. Copper stress not only couples with cuproptosis, but also leads to reactive oxygen species (ROS) stress, oxidative damage and cell cycle arrest. In cancer cells, a feedback cytoprotection mechanism involving cuproptosis mediators was discovered. During copper treatment, the activation of glutamine transporters and the loss of Fe-S cluster proteins are the facilitators and results of cuproptosis, respectively. Through copper depletion, glutathione (GSH) blocks the cuproptosis process, rescues the activation of glutamine transporters, and prevents the loss of Fe-S cluster proteins, except for protecting cancer cells from apoptosis, protein degradation and oxidative damage. In addition, the copper ionophore curcumin can control the metabolisms of lipids, RNA, NADH and NADPH in colorectal cancer cells, and also up-regulates positive cuproptosis mediators. This work not only established the crosstalk between copper stress and cuproptosis, but also discolored the suppression and acceleration of cuproptosis by GSH and curcumin, respectively. Our results are significant for understanding cuproptosis process and developing novel anticancer reagents based on cuproptosis.

Fabrication and Characterization of Au-Decorated MCM-41 Mesoporous Spheres Using Laser-Ablation Technique

This study reports the synthesis of Au-decorated MCM-41 mesoporous nanoparticles using a laser-ablation technique. It was observed that the number of Au attached to MCM-41 nanostructures was dependent on the amount of encapsulated Cationic surfactant (cetyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) volume. The chemical group of the prepared nanoparticles was analyzed by FT-IR spectroscopy, where different absorption peaks corresponding to Au and MCM-41 were observed. The observed band region was ∼1090, 966, 801, 2918, and 1847 cm^-1 for different samples, clearly confirming the successful preparation of MCM-41 with CTAB and Au-decorated MCM-41 nanoparticles using environmentally friendly laser-ablation approach. The surface morphology of the prepared nanoparticles were performed using TEM techniques. The TEM analysis of the MCM-41 specimen showed silica spheres with an average size of around 200 nm. Furthermore, Raman spectroscopy was done to evaluate the chemical structure of the prepared nanoparticles. It was seen that the prepared Au NPs decorated the MCM-41 system facilitated strong Raman peaks of CTAB. In addition, eight distinct Raman peaks were observed in the presence of Au NPs. This new functionalized method using the laser-ablation approach for mesoporous nanoparticles will participate effectively in multiple applications, especially the encapsulated molecule sensing and detection.

Applications of Gold and Silver Nanoparticles in Theranostics

Nanotechnology sculptures the current scenario of science and technology. The word nano refers 'small' which ranges from 10 to 100 nm in size. Silver and gold nanoparticles can be synthesized at nanoscale and have unique biological properties like antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antiparasitic, antiplatelet, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor activity. In this mini review, we shall discuss the various applications of silver and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in the field of therapy, imaging, biomedical devices and in cancer diagnosis. The usage of silver nanoparticles(AgNPs) in dentistry and dental implants, therapeutic abilities like wound dressings, silver impregnated catheters, ventricular drainage catheters, combating orthopedic infections, and osteointegration will be elaborated. Gold nanoparticles in recent years have garnered large importance in bio medical applications. They are being used in diagnosis and have recently seen a surge in therapeutics. In this mini review, we shall see about the various applications of AuNP and AgNP, and highlight their evolution in theranostics.