Radio colloidal gold refers to a type of gold nanoparticle that has been labeled or tagged with a radioisotope. Gold nanoparticles, which are particles of gold measuring less than 100 nanometers in diameter, are known for their unique properties, including their high stability, biocompatibility, and ease of synthesis. Colloidal gold refers to the suspension of gold nanoparticles in a liquid medium.
The process of radio-labelling involves attaching a radioactive isotope to the surface of the colloidal gold nanoparticles. The radioisotope can emit radiation, such as gamma rays or beta particles, which can be detected and measured using radioanalytical techniques. The radioisotope may be attached directly to the surface of the gold nanoparticles or conjugated with a biomolecule, such as an antibody or ligand, that can selectively bind to a target molecule or cell.
Radio colloidal gold has various applications in biomedical research and diagnostics. It can be used in radiotherapy for cancer treatment, where the nanoparticles are targeted to the tumor site, delivering the radioactive payload directly to the cancer cells. Additionally, radio colloidal gold can be employed for in vivo imaging, such as single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), by injecting the radiolabeled nanoparticles into a subject and detecting the emitted radiation to visualize specific tissues or organs.
Overall, radio colloidal gold combines the beneficial properties of gold nanoparticles with the radioactivity provided by a radioisotope, enabling its application in various fields, particularly in the field of medicine and biomedical research.
