GOLD NANOPRATICLES IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND HEALTH CARE: A REVIEW

The gold colloid is a solution of colloidal nanoparticles in gold in its liquid state. These particles are usually red in color. Due to their versatile properties in the field of optics, electronics, and molecular recognition, they are subjected to immense research. They are a preferred choice in technologies like electron microscopy, electronics, nanotechnology, material sciences, and health care. In many different types of colloidal gold synthesis, the combination of gold nanoparticles with certain ligands can increase its potent and usage in different fields. They are capable of delivering useful drugs in difficult areas like the brain, retina, tumors, and intracellular organelles. However, their efficiency highly depends on their size and shape. They are also under study as carriers for serious drugs like Paclitaxel. Gold nanoparticles are also used in drugs used for the treatment of cancer. However, if consumed in unprescribed amounts have proved to be toxic to the body. Different sizes of gold particles have shown buildup in parts of the brain, stomach, pancreas, kidneys, liver and blood. Gold nanorods have shown properties for being used as photothermal agent’s in vivo applications. Gold nanoparticles are modified into nanorods, nanoshells, nanocages, etc. Gold nanoparticles are also used in on-site detection of harmful gases like H₂S.