Modified gold and polymeric gold nanostructures: Toxicology and biomedical applications

Abstract Biomolecular functionalization of gold nanoparticles (Au/NPs) has been intensively investigated and its wide applications have been applied in various fields owing to its distinctive physical and optical properties as well as therapeutic applications. In this review, an effort has been made to critically negotiate various biological, chemical, and physical methods for the synthesis of Au/NPs. The present review addressed the effective use of Au/NPs in the field of theranostics including microbiology. Furthermore, this review undertook a comprehensive outlook concerning the potential function of Au/NPs in different biological mechanisms of antibacterial, in vitro, and in vivo cytotoxicity as well as biomedical application in the drug delivery system (DDS) with the special focus on cancer therapy. Inclusively, Au/NPs expedite a novel and powerful player for therapies, DDS, and toxicology effect. We strongly believe that this review presents a comprehensive breakthrough and this information should appeal to a broad audience in the field of nanotechnology.