Cancer Theranostics with Gold Nanoshells

Abstract

Gold nanoshells (AuNSs) present a vivid example of integrating nanoscience in order to solve a biomedical problem. AuNSs exhibit tunable surface plasmon resonance, which can be tuned to the near-infrared region in order to realize optimal tissue penetration. The highly efficient light-to-heat transformation by AuNSs during laser irradiation causes thermal damage to the tumor without damaging healthy organs. Transient nanobubbles can form around AuNSs during laser treatment and induce mechanical stress specifically in tumor cells. AuNSs also serve as a versatile platform for the delivery of various diagnostic and therapeutic agents. In this article, we describe the physicochemical properties of AuNSs in the context of their design, preparation and application in cancer theranostics. Ultimately, we look beyond the current research on AuNSs and discussed future challenges to their successful translation into clinical use.

Keywords::

• cancer imaging
• drug delivery
• gold nanoshells
• hyperthermia
• photoacoustic
• siRNA
• surface plasmon resonance
• thermal ablation
• tumor penetration
• tumor targeting

Financial & competing interests disclosure

This work was supported in part by grants from NIH NCI (Award # 2 P50 CA127001-06) SPORE in Brain Cancer Career Development Award (to MP Melancon) and the John S Dunn Foundation. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

The authors would like to thank A Sutton for editing the manuscript.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported in part by grants from NIH NCI (Award # 2 P50 CA127001-06) SPORE in Brain Cancer Career Development Award (to MP Melancon) and the John S Dunn Foundation. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.