Cytotoxicity Assessment of Plasmonic Nanoparticles: A Review Based on Published Literature

Abstract

Plasmonic nanoparticles (Au-NP, Ag-NP) are of great interest due to their significant potential applications such as Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy, Biological Imaging, Biosensors, or cancer treatment because of their visible and near-infrared surface plasmon resonance spectrum. However, the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of these limit their potential for such applications. According to several previously reported literature both Au-NP and Ag-NP are handsomely capable of entering living cells and are notorious for their cytotoxicity. Studies show that both these NPs can inhibit cell growth and kill living cells through Oxidative stress and free ion generation. Moreover, Au-NPs can adsorb serum protein and go into cells through the endocytotic pathway, which is more complex and results in greater cytotoxicity with the immunological response than Ag-NPs [1]. Such cytotoxic behavior of these plasmonic nanoparticles is aimed to discuss in this review.