Gold Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Functionalization and Biomedical Applications Especially in Cardiovascular Therapy

Global burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is one of the main and leading causes of death around the world. Atherosclerosis early detection still is the most impactful factor for controlling the spread of CVDs. Fight against CVDs requires the creation and development of new agents that can control and diminish these diseases. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) represent promising agents for future cardiovascular therapeutics. Synthesized and modified with unlimited modifiers, these nanoparticles can possess unique chemical, physical and biological properties and features that ensure clinical potentiality of AuNPs toward the cardiovascular system. In this review, we introduce most appropriate methods for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles as well as the related functionalization techniques. An important issue of the application of AuNPs in the cardiovascular theranosis is illustrated. Gold nanoparticles in conjugation with promising drugs will give double enhancement and ensure that most CVDs will be overcome.