Title

Probing Cells with Noble Metal Nanoparticle Aggregates

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2008

Published In

Nanomedicine

Volume

3

Issue

4

Pages

555-565

DOI

10.2217/17435889.3.4.555

Abstract

This review focuses on the integration of noble metal nanoparticle aggregates as tags and transport vessels in cellular applications. The natural tendency of nanoparticles to aggregate can be reduced through surface modification; however, this stabilization is often compromised in the cellular environment. The degree of nanoparticle aggregation has both positive and negative consequences. Nanoparticle aggregates are more efficiently removed by the organism compared with single nanoparticles, preventing delivery to their cellular target. In addition, these aggregates are recognized by cells in different ways versus isolated nanoparticles. Despite these negatives, aggregates exhibit enhancement for many detection and treatment techniques in comparison with single nanoparticles. In coming years, the role of aggregates and better control over the degree of aggregation in cellular studies will be required for the realization of medical applications.

Keywords

cell imaging, nanoparticle aggregation, nanoparticle cytotoxicity, noble metal nanoparticles, photothermal therapy, surface-enhanced Raman scattering

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