Gold nanoparticles: synthesis, application in colon cancer therapy and new approaches - review

Abstract

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are essential metal nanoparticles, and they have much application in different areas such as bio-imaging, medical therapy, enzyme assays and the environment. Various physical and chemical methods have been used for the synthesis of AuNPs. However the disadvantage of most of them is to generate a large number of by-products that are dangerous, in this sense, green synthesis with plant extracts has become one of the preferred methods for the development of these materials because it produces particles with high bioavailability and reduces the use of toxic chemicals. In addition to presenting unique characteristics of biocompatibility, large surface area, and high dispersion, they have been used to treat different types of cancer, such as colon cancer. This review presents the various methods for synthesizing gold nanoparticles and their application in cancer therapy, focusing on the green synthesis of gold nanoparticles and their specific colon cancer application.

Keywords

• gold nanoparticles
• green synthesis
• cancer therapy