Optimizing the bio-nano interface for gold nanoparticles

Abstract: The interface between nanotechnology and biology needs to be well understood for improved outcome in medical applications. In other words, we need to know the interaction of nanoparticles (unit cells in nanotechnology) with cells (unit cells in biology) for improved outcome in diagnosis, imaging and therapeutic techniques. In this chapter, recent progress in the understanding of how size, shape and surface properties of nanoparticles (NPs) affect intracellular uptake, transport and processing of NPs will be discussed. Gold NPs are used as a model system in this regard as their size, shape and surface properties can be easily tailored. These findings provide useful information to tailor nanoparticle-based devices at the single cell level for effective applications in diagnosis, therapeutics and imaging.