On Biodecorated Gold Nanoparticles Distributed within Tissues and Cells

Abstract

The size and surface charge of gold nanoparticles were reported to be key factors that determine their biological fate. The clearance half times of the biodecorated gold nanoparticles AuNPs from blood were reported to increase with decreasing the particle size. The particle elution time or the length of pathway is inversely proportional to the particle size. The positively charged nanoparticles were most toxic when compared with negatively charged particles and the neutral nanoparticles. Functional (ionic) surfactants (modifiers) have a pronounced effect on the distribution pattern not only by changing the circulation time in the bloodstream but also changing the nature of gold conjugates. The functional tissues present high activity to particle surface which favor their possible irreversible binding to biopolymers. The toxicity of the AuNPs is determined by their ability to irreversibly bind to key biomolecules (DNA and others) and change the functioning of cellular molecular processes.