Simultaneous Stabilization and Functionalization of Gold Nanoparticles via Biomolecule Conjugation: Progress and Perspectives

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are used in various biological applications because of their small surface area-to-volume ratios, ease of synthesis and modification, low toxicity, and unique optical properties. These properties can vary significantly with changes in AuNP size, shape, composition, and arrangement. Thus, the stabilization of AuNPs is crucial to preserve the properties required for biological applications. In recent years, various polymer-based physical and chemical methods have been extensively used for AuNP stabilization. However, a new stabilization approach using biomolecules has recently attracted considerable attention. Biomolecules such as DNA, RNA, peptides, and proteins are representative of the biomoieties that can functionalize AuNPs. According to several studies, biomolecules can stabilize AuNPs in biological media; in addition, AuNP-conjugated biomolecules can retain certain biological functions. Furthermore, the presence of biomolecules on AuNPs significantly enhances their biocompatibility. This review provides a representative overview of AuNP functionalization using various biomolecules. The strategies and mechanisms of AuNP functionalization using biomolecules are comprehensively discussed in the context of various biological fields.

Automated summary

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are widely used in biological applications due to their unique optical properties, and stabilizing them using biomolecules can enhance their biocompatibility and retain certain biological functions. This review provides an overview of strategies and mechanisms for functionalizing AuNPs with various biomolecules in different biological fields.