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image of Gold Nanoparticles in the Treatment of Soft Tissue Injury: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background

Nanotechnology has gained significant attention in recent years as a promising approach for addressing a variety of medical challenges, including soft tissue injuries. Among the different nanomaterials, gold nanoparticles (GNPs) stand out due to their unique and versatile physicochemical properties. These properties include their small size, customizable shape, and adaptable surface chemistry, which allow GNPs to be tailored for specific therapeutic purposes. The growing interest in GNPs stems from their potential to enhance drug delivery, improve healing processes, and reduce side effects in the treatment of soft tissue injuries. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the efficacy of GNPs in the context of soft tissue injury treatment, exploring both their therapeutic potential and associated risks.

Objectives

The primary objective of this review is to evaluate the effectiveness of gold nanoparticles in treating soft tissue injuries. This is achieved through the following specific goals: Investigating the methods used to formulate GNPs into a gel form suitable for application in soft tissue injuries. This includes an analysis of different formulation techniques and the materials used to stabilize and deliver the nanoparticles. It explores various methods by which GNP gel can penetrate the skin to reach the underlying soft tissues. This involves a review of topical application techniques, including both conventional and advanced methods, to determine their effectiveness in delivering GNPs to the site of injury. These include assessing the therapeutic benefits of GNPs when applied to soft tissue injuries, with a focus on the observed outcomes in both animal models and human studies. Additionally, the review examines the potential toxicity of GNPs, particularly when administered through different routes, to ensure that their use is both safe and effective.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was conducted to gather relevant studies on the use of GNPs for treating soft tissue injuries. Articles were sourced from well-known scientific databases, including PubMed, Medline, and Wiley, covering publications from 2008 to 2020. A total of 119 articles were initially identified for review. After removing 24 duplicates and excluding 90 articles that did not meet the eligibility criteria, five articles were selected for in-depth full-text analysis and synthesis. These selected studies provided valuable insights into the formulation, application, and safety of GNPs in treating soft tissue injuries.

Results

The findings from the reviewed studies suggest that GNPs show considerable promise in treating soft tissue injuries, particularly in animal models. One of the effective methods for formulating GNPs into a gel involved the Turkevich method, which utilizes base materials such as Carbol 934, glycerin, and PEG 400. This formulation method has demonstrated several advantages, including ease of preparation and stability of the resulting gel. In terms of application, topical administration of GNP gel has proven to be an effective method for achieving skin penetration and delivering therapeutic benefits. Techniques such as gentle rubbing of the skin and the use of phonophoresis have been highlighted as particularly effective. However, it is important to note that while topical application appears safe, other administration routes, such as oral or intravenous delivery of GNPs, particularly those with small sizes and spherical shapes, have been associated with toxicity in various organs and can lead to cellular DNA damage.

Conclusion

The review concludes that topical administration of GNP gel holds significant potential for controlled and targeted drug delivery in the treatment of soft tissue injuries. This method allows for localized treatment, reducing the risk of systemic side effects and improving therapeutic outcomes. However, the review also emphasizes the need for careful consideration of potential cellular-level toxicity, particularly when GNPs are used in humans. Further research is required to fully understand the long-term safety and efficacy of GNPs, ensuring that they can be safely integrated into clinical practice for the treatment of soft tissue injuries.

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2025-02-19
2025-09-14

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Gold Nanoparticles in the Treatment of Soft Tissue Injury: A Systematic Review
Bentham Science Publishers ; https://doi.org/10.2174/0115748855331328250211053716
/content/journals/cdth/10.2174/0115748855331328250211053716
/content/journals/cdth/10.2174/0115748855331328250211053716
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  • Article Type:     Review Article
Keywords: Gold nanoparticles ; penetration ; therapeutic effects ; GNPs gel formulation ; absorption characteristics ; drug delivery ; targeted therapy ; soft tissues

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