Gold Nanoparticles in Drug Delivery Systems for Cancer Treatment: A Review

Ramadan, Abd El Hakim; Abdullah, Hend Diaa; Nabet, Refaa Yousry; Shehata, Rana Ahmed; Gohar, Mohamed Hasssanen; Elmorsy, Alaa Hamdy; Elteray, Norhan Ali; Elseddiq, Hossam Mohamed; Shreeda, Dalia Adel; Abd Almotaleb, Eslam Ahmed; Mohammed, Esraa Helmy; Aldesouky, Alaa Gehad; El Adlany, Dina Emad; Ahmed, Sameh Ashraf; Maarouf, Shahd Mohamed; Galal, Fatma Nour; Kiwan, Manar Elsayed; Mohamed, Manar Mohamed; Mohamed, Nada Ashraf; Sabry, Mohammed Sobhy; Abdelrazik, Hend Abdelsabour; Abd Elhamid, Alaa Salama; Hassanen, Abdelrahman Mohammed Ahmed; Fathi, AbdelRhman Ebrahim; Sorour, Karim Ahmed; Kamal, Islam

doi:10.21608/odr.2025.380813.1053

Gold Nanoparticles in Drug Delivery Systems for Cancer Treatment: A Review

Document Type : Review Articles

Authors

23 December street

10.21608/odr.2025.380813.1053

Abstract

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have emerged as a promising nano-carrier in cancer therapy due to their unique physicochemical properties, including high stability, biocompatibility, and surface tunability. This review explores synthesis and functionalization of AuNPs. In addition, the roles of AuNPs in drug delivery systems, highlighting their advantages over conventional cancer treatments, such as improved targeting, enhanced drug bioavailability, and reduced systemic toxicity, are deliberated. Moreover, the mechanisms of AuNP-based drug delivery include passive targeting via the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect and active targeting using functionalized ligands are illustrated. Additionally, stimuli-responsive drug release strategies, including pH, temperature, and light-triggered mechanisms, are discussed. This review underscores the transformative potential of AuNPs in the treatment of different cancer types while emphasizing the need for further research to optimize their clinical applicability. Furthermore, their toxicity, biocompatibility, and safe dosage limits are highlighted. Finally, clinical trials and regulatory considerations of FDA and EMA are mentioned.

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