Precision Medicine: Targeted Drug Delivery and Photothermal Therapy
AuNPs are a cornerstone of modern nanomedicine due to their high biocompatibility and ease of functionalization. Because gold surfaces bind strongly to sulfur, scientists can attach a wide range of "thiolated" molecules—including proteins, DNA, and chemotherapy drugs—directly to the particle.
Targeted Delivery: By coating AuNPs with antibodies that recognize cancer cells, the particles can circulate in the bloodstream and "stick" specifically to a tumor. This allows for high doses of medication to be delivered directly to the site while minimizing side effects in healthy parts of the body.
Photothermal Therapy (PTT): When gold nanorods or nanoshells accumulate in a tumor, they can be hit with an external NIR laser. The particles absorb this energy and convert it into localized heat. This thermal energy "cooks" the cancer cells from the inside out. Since the laser only targets the area where the gold is concentrated, the surrounding healthy tissue remains unharmed.