Synthesis and Surface Functionalization of Gadolinium Oxide Nanoprobes for Biomedical Applications

The clinical application of the nanomaterials in medicine is the state-of-the-art in science and technology. Targeting cancer cells with functional nanoprobes possessing a site selective biomolecule and an imaging moiety offers great potential for early detection, accurate diagnosis, and targeted therapy of various diseases. Combination of imaging and therapy capabilities in a single construction is a desired trait for modern nanoprobes used in nanomedicine. Tailor-made nanomaterials can be obtained by exploiting the surface chemistry and hence facilitate the conjugation with the drug molecule of interest. Integration of the targeting molecule on the particle surface may enable directed delivery to the malign cells. Although many nanoprobes have been investigated for biomedical application, Gd2O3 NPs constitute a versatile class and promising material for diagnosis and treatment.