Theranostic gold nanoparticles for CT imaging

Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) have unique physical, chemical, and biological properties, which make them ideal candidates for various biomedical applications, including imaging, therapy, and diagnostic systems. Due to the high X-ray attenuation of gold, along with its well-known biosafety, GNPs are highly appropriate for utilizing as computed tomography (CT) contrast agent. GNPs can be fabricated in a variety of shapes and sizes, can be conjugated with various ligands, and can also be used as the core or the shell for hybrid nanoparticles. Additionally, GNPs can be integrated within bigger structures, such as large compound micelles. The development of a single theranostic nanosystem, which combines the therapeutic and diagnostic functions of GNPs, is a promising approach that can considerably improve medical treatment, particularly in oncology. The following chapter describes basic principles and recent studies that utilize GNPs as CT contrast agents, for imaging, therapy, and diagnostics, focusing on multifunctional GNPs.