Gold nanotubes: synthesis, properties and biomedical applications

• Published in: Mikrochimica acta (1966) Vol. 187; no. 11; p. 612
• Main Authors: Liu, Yan-ling, Zhu, Jian, Weng, Guo-jun, Li, Jian-jun, Zhao, Jun-wu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Vienna Springer Vienna 01.11.2020; Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Aluminum oxide; Analytical Chemistry; Animals; Bimetals; Biomedical engineering; Biomedical materials; Biosensors; Catalysis; Cell Line, Tumor; Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Contrast Media - chemistry; Drug delivery systems; Drugs; Electrochemical Techniques; Gold; Gold - chemistry; Humans; Microengineering; Morphology; Nanochemistry; Nanotechnology; Nanotubes; Nanotubes - chemistry; Properties (attributes); Raman spectra; Resonance scattering; Review Article; Spectrum Analysis, Raman; Surface Plasmon Resonance; Synthesis; Vehicles; Photothermal therapy; Gold nanotubes; Protein transportation; Synthesis; Biosensor
• ISSN: 0026-3672; 1436-5073
• DOI: 10.1007/s00604-020-04460-y

This review (with 106 references) summarizes the latest progress in the synthesis, properties and biomedical applications of gold nanotubes (AuNTs). Following an introduction into the field, a first large section covers two popular AuNTs synthesis methods. The hard template method introduces anodic alumina oxide template (AAO) and track-etched membranes (TeMs), while the sacrificial template method based on galvanic replacement introduces bimetallic, trimetallic AuNTs and AuNT-semiconductor hybrid materials. Then, the factors affecting the morphology of AuNTs are discussed. The next section covers their unique surface plasmon resonance (SPR), surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and their catalytic properties. This is followed by overviews on the applications of AuNTs in biosensors, protein transportation, photothermal therapy and imaging. Several tables are presented that give an overview on the wealth of synthetic methods, morphology factors and biological application. A concluding section summarizes the current status, addresses current challenges and gives an outlook on potential applications of AuNTs in biochemical detection and drug delivery. Graphical abstract