| abstract |
The present invention relates to novel gold nanocrystals and nanocrystal shape distributions having surfaces that are substantially free of organic impurities or organic films. Specifically, these surfaces are formed using a chemical reduction process that requires an organic reducing agent and / or a surfactant to grow gold nanoparticles from gold ions in solution. It is “clean” compared to the surface. The present invention includes a novel electrochemical production apparatus and technique for producing gold-based nanocrystals. The invention further comprises a pharmaceutical composition thereof, and the use of gold nanocrystals or suspensions or colloids thereof for the treatment or prevention of diseases or conditions for which the corresponding gold therapy is already known, and More generally, it includes use for conditions resulting from pathological cellular activity, such as inflammation (including chronic inflammation) conditions, autoimmune conditions, hypersensitivity reactions and / or cancer diseases or conditions. In one embodiment, this condition is mediated by MIF (macrophage migration inhibitory factor). |