Issue 2, 2020

Luminescent gold nanoclusters for in vivo tumor imaging

Abstract

Fluorescent gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) are emerging as novel imaging contrast agents. These molecules offer excellent prospects for non-invasive tumor diagnosis strategies because of their ultra-small size, tunable emissions from the visible to the near-infrared range, excellent biocompatibility, and suitable pharmacokinetic properties. In this tutorial review, we introduce the physiological features of the tumor microenvironment, followed by a description of AuNC pharmacokinetics. Next, we outline the strategies used to deliver AuNCs specifically to tumor tissues for in vivo tumor imaging. Finally, examples are presented to highlight the application potential of AuNCs for in vivo tumor imaging.

Graphical abstract: Luminescent gold nanoclusters for in vivo tumor imaging

Article information

Article type
Tutorial Review
Submitted
18 Aug 2019
Accepted
19 Nov 2019
First published
20 Nov 2019

Analyst, 2020,145, 348-363

Luminescent gold nanoclusters for in vivo tumor imaging

H. Li, H. Li and A. Wan, Analyst, 2020, 145, 348 DOI: 10.1039/C9AN01598A

To request permission to reproduce material from this article, please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements