Gold Nanomaterials in Contemporary Neurophysiology, Neurology and Psychiatry Research

Nanoneurology and nanopsychiatry are today promising, rapidly growing disciplines, and many research efforts have so far been focused in design of nanoparticle-based biosensors and drug delivery systems that would be an addition to conventional diagnostic methods and therapeutic strategies. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are especially important in these research areas since it has been shown that they can successfully alter physical and chemical properties of many medications, as well as other substances applicable in neuroscience research. This concise article focuses on experiments and theoretical assumptions regarding application of AuNPs in neurosciences performed during the past 10 years in in vitro conditions and animal experimental models. Issues such as AuNP mediated detection of brain neurotransmitters, and transport through blood brain barrier are also discussed, as well as association of AuNPs with medications commonly applied in modern neurological and psychiatric practice.