Gold-Based Nanomaterials for Antimicrobial and Anticancer Applications: A Critical Review
Keywords:
Gold Nanoparticles, Antimicrobial Agents, Cancer Therapeutics, NanomedicineAbstract
The rapid emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens and the inherent limitations of conventional cancer therapeutics have catalyzed the search for novel, multifunctional therapeutic agents. Gold-based nanomaterials have garnered unprecedented attention in biomedical research due to their unique physicochemical properties, exceptional biocompatibility, and highly tunable surface chemistry. This comprehensive review critically evaluates the dual applications of gold nanomaterials in combating microbial infections and malignant tumors. We systematically explore the foundational synthesis methods, ranging from traditional chemical reduction techniques to emerging biologically mediated green synthesis approaches. The mechanisms underlying the antimicrobial efficacy of gold nanoparticles, including physical membrane disruption, oxidative stress induction through reactive oxygen species generation, and intracellular biomolecular interference, are thoroughly analyzed. Furthermore, the anticancer potential of these nanomaterials is examined through the lenses of targeted drug delivery, localized photothermal therapy, and photodynamic therapy, leveraging the enhanced permeability and retention effect as well as active targeting strategies. Despite their immense clinical potential, the translation of gold nanomaterials from the laboratory bench to the bedside faces significant hurdles, primarily concerning long-term in vivo toxicity, biodistribution, and stringent regulatory requirements. By synthesizing current empirical evidence and highlighting existing knowledge gaps, this review aims to provide a robust framework for future research directions in gold-based nanomedicine.
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