Purpose Gold nanorods (GNRs) have emerged as multifunctional nanomaterials with significant potential in wound healing due to their optical properties, biocompatibility, and capacity for targeted therapeutic delivery. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in the synthesis methods, functionalization strategies, and therapeutic applications of GNRs in skin regeneration and chronic wound management. Methods This review examines various chemical, physical, and biological synthesis techniques for GNRs, with an emphasis on their influence on morphology, surface chemistry, and biomedical compatibility. Key studies investigating the integration of GNRs into wound healing. Results GNRs were found to enhance wound healing through photothermal effects, antimicrobial activity, and inflammation regulation. Studies demonstrated improved fibroblast migration, upregulation of growth factors (e.g., VEGF, bFGF), and suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in both in vitro and in vivo models. Functionalization with biomolecules such as collagen or PEG further optimized their bioactivity and compatibility, while novel composite dressings incorporating GNRs showed enhanced structural and therapeutic performance. Conclusion Gold nanorods represent a promising class of nanomaterials in regenerative medicine, particularly for wound healing applications. Their tunable optical properties and ease of surface modification enable precise, multi-modal interventions that address inflammation, infection, and tissue regeneration simultaneously. Continued development of biocompatible delivery platforms and deeper understanding of GNR–cell interactions will be key to clinical translation. Lay Summary Wound healing, especially in chronic or infected cases, remains a major challenge in medicine. Gold nanorods (GNRs) are a special type of tiny rod-shaped particles made of gold, designed at the nanoscale. Because of their size, shape, and ability to interact with light, they can help heal wounds more quickly and effectively. In this review article, we explore how GNRs are made, how they can be safely used in the body, and how they support different stages of wound healing—from reducing harmful bacteria and inflammation to promoting new tissue growth. Their surface can also be modified to carry drugs or natural compounds directly to the wound site. Overall, GNRs offer a promising and multifunctional platform for improving wound care in future medical treatments.

Gold NanoRods and their Application in Wound Healing

期刊论文
发表日期：

2026年1月8日

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Hossein Alipour,
Masoumeh Foroutan Koudehi,
Hossein Fasihi Dastjerdi,
Ramin Zibaseresht

摘要

Purpose

Gold nanorods (GNRs) have emerged as multifunctional nanomaterials with significant potential in wound healing due to their optical properties, biocompatibility, and capacity for targeted therapeutic delivery. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in the synthesis methods, functionalization strategies, and therapeutic applications of GNRs in skin regeneration and chronic wound management.

Methods

This review examines various chemical, physical, and biological synthesis techniques for GNRs, with an emphasis on their influence on morphology, surface chemistry, and biomedical compatibility. Key studies investigating the integration of GNRs into wound healing.

Results

GNRs were found to enhance wound healing through photothermal effects, antimicrobial activity, and inflammation regulation. Studies demonstrated improved fibroblast migration, upregulation of growth factors (e.g., VEGF, bFGF), and suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in both in vitro and in vivo models. Functionalization with biomolecules such as collagen or PEG further optimized their bioactivity and compatibility, while novel composite dressings incorporating GNRs showed enhanced structural and therapeutic performance.

Conclusion

Gold nanorods represent a promising class of nanomaterials in regenerative medicine, particularly for wound healing applications. Their tunable optical properties and ease of surface modification enable precise, multi-modal interventions that address inflammation, infection, and tissue regeneration simultaneously. Continued development of biocompatible delivery platforms and deeper understanding of GNR–cell interactions will be key to clinical translation.

Lay Summary

Wound healing, especially in chronic or infected cases, remains a major challenge in medicine. Gold nanorods (GNRs) are a special type of tiny rod-shaped particles made of gold, designed at the nanoscale. Because of their size, shape, and ability to interact with light, they can help heal wounds more quickly and effectively. In this review article, we explore how GNRs are made, how they can be safely used in the body, and how they support different stages of wound healing—from reducing harmful bacteria and inflammation to promoting new tissue growth. Their surface can also be modified to carry drugs or natural compounds directly to the wound site. Overall, GNRs offer a promising and multifunctional platform for improving wound care in future medical treatments.