Self-assembling nanoclusters in living systems: application for integrated photothermal nanodiagnostics and nanotherapy.
Nanotechnologies represent an unprecedented recent advance that may revolutionize many areas of medicine and biology, including cancer diagnostics and treatment. Nanoparticle-based technologies have demonstrated especially high potential for medical purposes, ranging from diagnosing diseases to providing novel therapies. However, to be clinically relevant, the existing nanoparticle-based technologies must overcome several challenges, including selective nanoparticle delivery, potential cytotoxicity, imaging of nanoparticles, and real-time assessment of their therapeutic efficacy. This review addresses these issues by summarizing the recent advances in medical diagnostics and therapy with a focus on the self-assembly of gold nanoparticles into nanoclusters in live cells, in combination with their detection using photothermal (PT) techniques.
Zharov
Vladimir P
VP
Philips Classic Laser Laboratories, the Arkansas Cancer Research Center, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA. zharovvladimirp@uams.edu
Kim
Jin-Woo
JW
Curiel
David T
DT
Everts
Maaike
M
D003287:Contrast Media; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D050997:Nanomedicine / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010789:Phototherapy / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends
D003287:Contrast Media