An overview of biomedical applications for gold nanoparticles against lung cancer

Lung cancer (LC) is the commonest class of cancer worldwide and is the reason for more deaths than any other type. Treatment of LC using conventional therapy has some limitations such as poor bioavailability and non-site release of drug causing various side effects. However, the use of nanotechnology makes it possible to offer efficacious treatment of LC by offering nanometer sized formulation that helps in better penetration of drug inside tumor cells and site specific drug release. Among various nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles (GNPs) has found unique and important application in the biomedical application of nanoparticles in various diseases, especially cancer. Owing to their high biocompatibility and stability against oxidation in vivo, tunable nano size, ease of functionalization with chemotherapeutic agents, capacity to enhance bioavailability and site specificity of entrapped drug, capacity to interact with visible light, make GNPs as special carrier for biomedical application in LC. GNPs can absorb infrared radiation and have optical qualities as well. In the present review, various aspects of LC and theranostic role of GNPs are comprehensively covered. These include prevalence, classification, economic burden, pathophysiology as well as commonly available therapies of LC. This was followed by advantages, synthesis, biomedical application of GNPs in treating LC as well as their fate in the body. Overall, the uniqueness of review relies on the fact that it covers all aspects of LC and all possibilities by which GNPs can offer their best role in management of LC. Unraveling the role of gold nanoparticles in lung cancer. [Display omitted] •There are about 1.76 million deaths due to LC per year.•Existing therapies are less effective due to their poor permeation and retention in LC cells.•GNPs are biocompatible, easily get functionalized, and stable to in vivo oxidation.•GNPs can enhance bioavailability and site specific delivery of drugs to LC cells.•Surface plasmon resonance and optical properties enable GNPs as sensors and imaging agent.