Title: Gold nanoparticle-based platforms as cancer-targeted molecules delivery systems

Authors: Cheng-Cheung Chen; Chang-Jer Wu; Ming-Kung Yeh

Addresses: Department of Food Science, National Taiwan Ocean University, No. 2, Pei Ning Road, Keelung 20224, Taiwan ' Department of Food Science, National Taiwan Ocean University, No. 2, Pei Ning Road, Keelung 20224, Taiwan ' Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei 10607, Taiwan; School of Pharmacy, National Defence Medical Center and Bureau of Pharmaceutical Affairs, Military of National Defence Medical Affairs Bureau, Taipei, Taiwan

Abstract: Cancer is a major cause of deaths. More recently, drug delivery systems (DDSs) using gold nanoparticles (GNPs) have been widely developed in cancer therapy for their easily synthesised, functionalised, better biocompatible, and low toxicity properties. Gold nanoparticle-based platforms as cancer-targeted molecules delivery to tumour tissues have been proposed as an effective strategy by overcoming various biological barriers and increasing retention effect. Coupled with the active targeting on the specific sites during cancer process they can facilitate anticancer effects. This review is focused on the current applications of GNPs as improving cancer-targeted delivery platforms.

Keywords: cancer treatment; cancer drugs; DDSs; drug delivery systems; GNPs; gold nanoparticles; active targeting; nanotechnology; cancer therapy; tumour tissues.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNT.2013.058114

International Journal of Nanotechnology, 2013 Vol.10 No.10/11, pp.840 - 849

Published online: 08 Dec 2013 *

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