Noble metal nanoparticles in DNA detection and delivery

DNA-conjugated metal nanoparticles have attracted enormous attention for biological and medical applications, owing to their unusual DNA melting characteristics as well as unique optical and catalytic properties. The combination of these unique properties has not only led to the development of DNA-detection technologies with remarkably high selectivity and sensitivity, but also to the development of gene therapeutic agents with high efficacy and efficiency. In this review, we present a comprehensive coverage on their applications in detecting, manipulating, and delivering genes. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2012, 4:273290. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1159