title: 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.
authors: Centre for Cancer Research & Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Science, Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK. k.butterworth@qub.ac.uk
authors: Karl T
authors: KT
authors: Butterworth
authors: Stephen J
authors: SJ
authors: McMahon
authors: Fred J
authors: FJ
authors: Currell
authors: Kevin M
authors: KM
authors: Prise
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D059447:Cell Cycle Checkpoints / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects; D006046:Gold / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D053768:Metal Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000633:toxicity; D050997:Nanomedicine; D011838:Radiation-Sensitizing Agents / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000633:toxicity
chemical_list: D011838:Radiation-Sensitizing Agents; D006046:Gold