- Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) show potential for cancer therapy by targeting and efficiently treating cancer cells when used as drug carriers. - AuNPs are synthesized using gold and exhibit unique chemical and structural properties compared to bulk gold. They are stable, biocompatible and accumulate in cancerous cells. - Various methods can be used to synthesize AuNPs including physical, chemical and biological methods. Common chemical methods include the Turkevich and Burst-Schiffrin methods, while seeding growth and electrochemical methods are also discussed.