Silver and gold nanoparticles as an integral part of nanooncology: Current state of the problem

Abstract

Gold and silver nanoparticles are easily synthesized and the most effective nanostructures in clinical practice. Their optical properties, ease of synthesis, colloidal stability and the ability to form any surface for easier conjugation with biological particles, the ability to individual multiple use, make them especially important in oncology. Gold and silver nanoparticles are capable of providing targeted drug delivery, which depends on the photothermal, photodynamic, and antiangiogenic properties of the metal. Due to their exceptional properties, these nanoparticles are considered as a potential tool for the diagnosis of various types of cancer and drug delivery. The non-toxic and non-immunogenic nature of gold and silver nanoparticles, as well as their high permeability and retention effect, provide additional advantages, allowing drugs to easily penetrate and accumulate at tumor sites. The effectiveness of precious metal nanoparticles as radiosensitizers, dose enhancers and contrast agents is gaining increasing recognition. An important problem associated with the use of biogenic metal nanoparticles is the study of their genotoxicity, since they play an important role in the initiation and progression of abnormalities, including genetic ones.