Gold Nanoparticles for Cancer Theranostics

The use of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for cancer theranostics—combining diagnosis and therapy into a single system—has been one of the most promising nanoplatforms. Their tunable optical and surface features make it possible to transform light into heat for photothermal treatment, generate reactive oxygen species for photodynamic therapy, and carry chemotherapeutics or antibodies for immunotherapy. This course will entail the fabrication of AuNPs with specific shapes, as well as their plasmonic responses, and the strategies for chemical modifications of the surface. Underline stimulation-responsive and hybrid core-shell structures and, simultaneously, point out their multiple applications in recent developments. Followed by recent advances in multifunctional designs for precision cancer treatment and future perspectives toward clinical translation.