GOLD NANOPARTICLES IN THE DIAGNOSTICS AND THERAPY OF CANCER - CHOSEN APPLICATIONS

Nanomedicine is currently one of the fastest growing fields of nanotechnology with an increasing number of applications in the fight against cancer. Gold nanoparticles, due to their unique optical and chemical properties, are receiving a growing interest from scientists. The advantages of gold nanoparticles include, inter alia, a high surface to volume ratio, a broad range of possibilities in the surface modification, and the occurrence of an enhanced permeability and retention effect, allowing for a more effective and selective accumulation of the drug at the tumor sites. This paper briefly discusses the physicochemical characteristics of gold nanoparticles and presents their selected applications in both the diagnostics and therapy of cancer.