Detoxification and functionalization of gold nanorods with organic polymers and their applications in cancer photothermal therapy

Gold nanorods (AuNRs) have attracted widespread attention in the last few decades due to their potential applications in cancer photothermal therapy (CPTT). However, the utilization of AuNRs is restricted because of their high toxicity for cells and tissues. Numerous methods have been developed to solve this problem, among which the most convenient one is to coat AuNRs with biocompatible materials or replace their original toxic surfactant such as the hexadecyl-trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB). Organic polymers (OPs) are intensively researched due to their low toxicity and easy access to modification with functional groups (e.g., targeting molecules), pharmaceuticals (e.g., chemo drugs) and imaging agents (e.g., radioactive elements). Herein, this mini review summarized recent progress in detoxification and functionalization of AuNRs exploiting OPs coatings and their applications in CPTT. To begin with, we introduced current major approaches used to modify AuNRs with typical OPs. Then, applications of OPs coated AuNRs in CPTT were discussed. At the end of the review, we proposed a brief outlook for the future development of modification and functionalization of AuNRs with organic materials.