Cancer targeted contrast studies and photothermal therapy using engineered gold nanoparticles

In biomedical applications, gold nanoparticles (AuNps) plays an excellent role in drug delivery and carrier for anticancer agent. They exhibit increased permeability and retention in tumours, Surface Plasmon Resonance in near-infrared light, and ability to be conjugated with pharmaceuticals. They also produce secondary electrons when interacting with radiation. Existing cancer diagnosis and treatment mechanisms, however, do not always extend the lives of cancer patients. There are several negative consequences of current approaches, such as adverse effects and an increased risk of relapse. In more environmentally friendly manner, soursop fruit extracts are used to create and stabilise gold nanoparticles. Several methods, including UV–Visible spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, and Zeta potentiometer were used to characterise the nanoparticles. These particles are readily soluble in water, long-lasting, and effective against the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. Pharmacokinetics, photothermal treatment, and molecular cancer imaging using gold nanoparticles have all been effectively proven. Compared to its untargeted cousin, the molecularly targeted tumour exhibits greater contrast. Gold nanoparticle accumulation has been reported to be highest in breast tumours. Gold nanoparticles exposed to laser radiation at the tumour location and permanently damaged tumour tissue without killing healthy cells. A 5-month follow-up revealed no evidence of tumour recurrence in the rats treated with gold nanoparticles and laser.