Abstract

The conjugation of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with biomolecules could create many outstanding biofunctions for the surface-functionalized nanoparticles and extend their biomedical applications. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in the surface bioengineering of AuNPs with biomolecules, such as DNA, proteins, peptides, and biopolymers, in which the details on the structure, functions, and properties of surface- bioengineered AuNPs are discussed. In addition, the surface-biofunctionalization of AuNPs for biomedical applications like biosensing, bioimaging, drug delivery, and tissue engineering are introduced. It is expected that this work will be very helpful for readers to understand the surface functionalization and engineering techniques for various metallic nanoparticles and design novel biomaterials for biomedical applications.

Keywords: Gold nanoparticles, biofunctionalization, biomolecules, biomedical applications, bioengineering, AuNPs.