Upgrading gold to green nanoparticles: applications in prostate cancer

Green nanotechnology produces biocompatible gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with intrinsic anti-microbial, anti-viral, and anti-tumour properties. Green AuNPs (g-AuNPs) are gaining a solid ground in prostate cancer (PC) nanotherapy. Hence, in this review, we summarise and compare data from studies published between 2015 and 2022 to highlight major biological compounds and outputs from in vitro and in vivo applications of green or biosynthesised AuNPs in PC theranostics. In fact, g-AuNPs can be easily generated with effective antiproliferative PC characteristics. Taken together, g-AuNPs exert various apoptosis-related mechanisms, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, cell cycle arrest, cytotoxicity, mitochondrial disruption, and anti-tumour immune cell activation, with additional successful delivery of the biological compounds in green materials. g-AuNPs could offer another modality for targeted cancer therapy using antibodies and targeting ligands to specifically recognise and destroy PC tumours. In conclusion, g-AuNPs applications drive forth sustainable nanotechnology while minimising ethical concerns and toxicity risks in clinical trials.