5- Deep Insight into Zinc Oxide and Gold Nanoparticles for Breast Cancer Immune Modulation, Treatment and Diagnosis
Abstract
Nanotechnology has emerged as a transformative tool in cancer diagnosis and therapy, particularly through the use of zinc oxide (ZnO) and gold nanoparticles (GNPs). This review explores their molecular mechanisms, therapeutic efficacy, and potential applications in breast cancer treatment. ZnO nanoparticles demonstrate intrinsic anticancer properties through reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, apoptosis induction via mitochondrial and death receptor pathways, and modulation of oncogenic signaling pathways such as EGFR/PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK. Furthermore, ZnO NPs regulate gene expression by altering transcription factors like p53, BAX, and Bcl-2, while also influencing immune responses and cytokine production. Their ability to selectively target cancer cells, evade multidrug resistance, and enhance radiosensitivity positions them as versatile therapeutic agents. Conversely, GNPs exhibit superior biocompatibility and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) properties, facilitating targeted drug delivery, photothermal therapy (PTT), and diagnostic imaging. Functionalization with antibodies enables receptor-specific tumor targeting, enhancing therapeutic precision and reducing off-target effects. GNPs also amplify radiotherapy efficacy through dose enhancement and generate localized hyperthermia under near-infrared light for effective tumor ablation. Hybrid ZnO-GNP systems offer synergistic advantages, integrating ZnO’s ROS-mediated cytotoxicity with GNP-driven PTT and imaging capabilities. These multifunctional platforms support combined therapeutic strategies, improved selectivity, and enhanced tumor regression. Despite promising preclinical results, challenges such as nanoparticle toxicity, biodistribution, regulatory hurdles, and manufacturing scalability must be addressed. This review underscores the clinical potential of ZnO and GNPs while highlighting the need for further translational research to establish safe and effective nanomedicine protocols for breast cancer management.