Recent advances in cancer photo-theranostics: the synergistic combination of transition metal complexes and gold nanostructures

Abstract In this mini review, we highlight advances in the last five years light-activated cancer theranostics by using hybrid systems consisting of transition metal complexes (TMCs) and plasmonic gold nanostructures (AuNPs). TMCs are molecules with attractive properties high potential biomedical application. Due to their antiproliferative abilities, platinum-based compounds currently first-choice drugs for treatment several solid tumors. Moreover, ruthenium, iridium platinum well-known ability photogenerate singlet oxygen, a highly cytotoxic reactive species key role photodynamic therapy. Their is further extended unique photophysical properties, which make particularly suitable bioimaging. Recently, nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been widely investigated as one leading nanomaterials theranostics. AuNPs—being an inert biocompatible material—represent excellent drug delivery systems, overcoming most side effects associated systemic administration anticancer drugs. Furthermore, due thermoplasmonic AuNPs proved be efficient nano-sources heat photothermal therapy Therefore, combination TMC/AuNPs could represent synergistic merger multiple functionalities combinatorial strategies. Herein, report recent examples in-vitro in-vivo tharanostics application whose triggered light-exposure Vis–NIR region, spatial temporal control activation light-mediated precision therapeutics.