Colloidal Gold and Its Use in Medical Detection and Treatment
Colloidal gold is the by-product that is created when trace amounts of gold nanoparticles are mixed in a liquid suspension (primarily ionised water). This solution is very often marketed as a cure to treat a wide range of illnesses. Whilst these claims should be treated with scepticism, there are in fact several ways which colloidal gold can prove useful to the world of medical science.
There is currently no credible research that can support the use of colloidal gold as an alternative medicine. Common claims made by the colloid manufacturers include everything from the common cold through to more lethal conditions such as HIV and AIDS. These claims should be treated with scepticism, as many manufacturers fail to point out the potential side effects of impurities in their products. Furthermore, whilst colloidal gold is considered safe when used in small and regulated amounts, overdose of any medicine containing gold can lead to poisoning and even death.
There is currently no credible research that can support the use of colloidal gold as an alternative medicine. Common claims made by the colloid manufacturers include everything from the common cold through to more lethal conditions such as HIV and AIDS. These claims should be treated with scepticism, as many manufacturers fail to point out the potential side effects of impurities in their products. Furthermore, whilst colloidal gold is considered safe when used in small and regulated amounts, overdose of any medicine containing gold can lead to poisoning and even death.
the real benefits of colloidal gold
Whilst gold colloids on their own may not provide the answers, the nanotechnology behind them has shown some excellent potential. One of the latest primary applications of nanotechnology has been in the field of bio-medicine. Nanoparticles of gold (often suspended in colloids) are able to act as nanoscale platforms that can deliver drugs effectively. As the gold nanoparticles are between one hundred to ten thousand times smaller than human cells, they can easily be absorbed into the body.
Drug delivery is one area that is being studied very closely by scientists. The primary goal of any drug delivery mechanism is to allow for specific in vivo delivery of the drug that avoids causing any toxic reactions on the way. Although early signs are promising for colloidal gold, much more needs to be done before colloidal gold nanoparticles can be seen as a viable solution.
Drug delivery is one area that is being studied very closely by scientists. The primary goal of any drug delivery mechanism is to allow for specific in vivo delivery of the drug that avoids causing any toxic reactions on the way. Although early signs are promising for colloidal gold, much more needs to be done before colloidal gold nanoparticles can be seen as a viable solution.
the fight against cancer
Where early detection of certain cancers is concerned, nanotechnology again appears to hold the answer. Nanotechnology in fact offers a range of disciplines that target the fight against cancer. Improved molecular imaging, targeted therapy and molecular diagnosis are just some of the areas that hold promise for cancer sufferers in the future. Because these techniques are still in their infancy, any treatment using gold nanoparticles must first acquire the full backing of a doctor or cancer specialist.
Research has also shown that using tiny colloidal gold particles embedded in dyes can detect cancerous tumours under the skin of a living animal. Such research is pivotal in allowing cancer specialists to detect, diagnose and treat cancer earlier and in a much less invasive way.
The colloidal gold nanoparticles are studded with antibody fragments that help to bind cancer cells. The nanoparticles ‘stick’ to tumours and are then illuminated with a laser beam. The bound tumour particles then send back a signal to show where the dye and the tumour are located.
Big strides are being made in this area and many “proof of principle” studies have been carried out successfully. The primary goal with this kind of treatment is to provide a means for early detection without invasive surgery and for the delivery of cancer-fighting drugs that are less toxic and more effective at destroying cancerous cells.
Research has also shown that using tiny colloidal gold particles embedded in dyes can detect cancerous tumours under the skin of a living animal. Such research is pivotal in allowing cancer specialists to detect, diagnose and treat cancer earlier and in a much less invasive way.
The colloidal gold nanoparticles are studded with antibody fragments that help to bind cancer cells. The nanoparticles ‘stick’ to tumours and are then illuminated with a laser beam. The bound tumour particles then send back a signal to show where the dye and the tumour are located.
Big strides are being made in this area and many “proof of principle” studies have been carried out successfully. The primary goal with this kind of treatment is to provide a means for early detection without invasive surgery and for the delivery of cancer-fighting drugs that are less toxic and more effective at destroying cancerous cells.
conclusion
Whilst there is still a long way to go in terms of research and development, nanotechnology using colloidal gold has the potential to profoundly improve detection and treatment methods. If you require colloidal gold for research purposes, be sure to buy from a reputable manufacturer who can provide nanoparticles and colloids to your exact specifications.