Gold Nanoparticles in Biomedical Applications

This book discusses fabrication of functionalized gold nanoparticles (GNPs) and multifunctional nanocomposites, their optical properties, and applications in biological studies. This is the very first book of its kind to comprehensively discuss published data on in vitro and in vivo biodistribution, toxicity, and uptake of GNP by mammalian cells providing a systematization of data over the GNP types and parameters, their surface functionalization, animal and cell models. As distinct from other related books, Gold Nanoparticles in Biomedical Applications discusses the immunological properties of GNPs and summarizes their applications as an antigen carrier and adjuvant in immunization for the preparation of antibodies in vivo. Although the potential of GNPs in nanobiotechnology has been recognized for the past decade, new insights into the unique properties of multifunctional nanostructures have recently emerged. With these developments in mind, this book unites ground breaking experimental data with a discussion of hybrid nanoparticle systems that combine different nanomaterials to create multifunctional structures. These novel hybrids constitute the material basis of theranostics, bringing together the advanced properties of functionalized GNPs and composites into a single multifunctional nanostructure with simultaneous diagnostic and therapeutic functions. Such nanohybrids can be physically and chemically tailored for a particular organ, disease, and patient thus making personalized medicine available.

Dr. Lev A. Dykman is a lead researcher at the Immunochemistry Laboratory of the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology. He has published over 360 scientific works, including 2 monographs on colloidal gold nanoparticles and 7 book chapters. His current research interests are in immunochemistry, fabrication of gold nanoparticles, and their applications to biological and medical studies. In particular, his research is focused on the interaction of nanoparticles and conjugates with immunocompetent cells and on the delivery of engineered particles to target organs, tissues and cells.

Professor Nikolai G. Khlebtsov is Head of the Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology at the Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Saratov, Russia. He is also a Full Professor at the Department of Nano- and Biomedical Technologies, Saratov National Research State University. He has published 550 scientific works, including 200 peer reviewed papers (90 in international scientific journals), 11 books and chapters in books, 96 pages in conference proceedings, and 10 patents within the Russian Federation. His current research interests are in biomedical applications of metal nanoparticles and absorption of various metals and dielectric structures. He is currently a member of the Editorial Board of the Journal of Nanoscience and Journal of Biomedical Photonics and Engineering.