Applications of Nanoporous Gold in Therapy, Drug Delivery, and Diagnostics

Nanoporous gold (np-Au) has promising applications in therapeutic delivery. The promises arise from its high surface area-to-volume ratio, ease of tuning shape and size, ability to be modified by organic molecules including drugs, and biocompatibility. Furthermore, np-Au nanostructures can generate the photothermal effect. This effect can be used either for controlled release of drugs of therapeutic importance or for destroying cancer cells by heating locally. Despite the enormous potential, the research on the therapeutical use of the np-Au is still in its early stage. In this review, we discuss the current progress and future directions of np-Au for therapeutic applications.