Colloidal gold is undoubtedly one of the most extensively studied nanomaterials, with thousands of different protocols currently available to synthesise novel gold nanoparticles. While methods for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles have progressed rapidly in recent years, our understanding of their biological impact, and in particular to the effect of shape, size, surface characteristics and aggregation states, has struggled to keep pace. It is generally agreed that when gold nanoparticles are exposed to biological systems, these parameters directly influence their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties by influencing gold nanoparticle distribution, circulation time, metabolism and excretion in biological systems. However, the rules governing these properties, and the science behind them, are poorly understood. Therefore, a systematic understanding of the implications of these variables at the nano-bio interface has recently become a topic of major interest. This Thesis attempts to ignite a discussion around the influence of different physico-chemical parameters –namely size, shape and surface corona- on the biological activity of gold nanoparticles, while focussing on the critical aspects of cellular interaction, protein corona formation, cellular uptake and cytotoxicity. This Thesis also discusses emerging trends in gold nanoparticle uptake and toxicity that may lead to technological advances through gold nanoparticle based therapies, diagnostics and imaging.
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