Issue 16, 2012

Physical basis and biological mechanisms of gold nanoparticle radiosensitization

Abstract

The unique properties of nanomaterials, in particular gold nanoparticles (GNPs) have applications for a wide range of biomedical applications. GNPs have been proposed as novel radiosensitizing agents due to their strong photoelectric absorption coefficient. Experimental evidence supporting the application of GNPs as radiosensitizing agents has been provided from extensive in vitro investigation and a relatively limited number of in vivo studies. Whilst these studies provide experimental evidence for the use of GNPs in combination with ionising radiation, there is an apparent disparity between the observed experimental findings and the level of radiosensitization predicted by mass energy absorption and GNP concentration. This review summarises experimental findings and attempts to highlight potential underlying biological mechanisms of response in GNP radiosensitization.

Graphical abstract: Physical basis and biological mechanisms of gold nanoparticle radiosensitization

Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
28 Feb 2012
Accepted
13 Jun 2012
First published
20 Jun 2012

Nanoscale, 2012,4, 4830-4838

Physical basis and biological mechanisms of gold nanoparticle radiosensitization

K. T. Butterworth, S. J. McMahon, F. J. Currell and K. M. Prise, Nanoscale, 2012, 4, 4830 DOI: 10.1039/C2NR31227A

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