Gold nanoparticle conjugates: recent advances toward clinical applications.

INTRODUCTION: Gold nanoparticles display a unique combination of chemical inertness, surface chemistry and size- and shape-dependent electronic and optical properties, which render them ideal for clinical applications. AREAS COVERED: The present article describes recent advancements on the application of gold nanoparticles in vaccine development and gene therapy, with augmented efficiencies in cell uptake, specific binding to bioreceptors in cells, protection of conjugated biomolecules and so forth. Additionally, we discuss how the electronic structure of the nanoparticles can be exploited for enhanced radiotherapy and X-ray tomography, while their optical properties can be used for photothermal cancer therapy or light-triggered drug delivery systems for enhanced chemotherapy. EXPERT OPINION: We analyze certain critical aspects and possible challenges that should be solved in order to use gold nanoparticle conjugates in vaccine research, as well as on the potential combination of properties to improve gene therapy and cancer treatment.