Enhancing oral cancer treatment via photodynamic therapy: Gold nanoparticle-based delivery system for 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA)

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a significant global health concern, responsible for approximately 300,000 new cases and 145,000 deaths annually, making it the sixth most common malignancy worldwide. Traditional treatments, including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, often lead to severe side effects such as physical disfigurement, functional loss, and systemic toxicity. These limitations have spurred the search for alternative therapies, with photodynamic therapy (PDT) gaining recognition for its reduced invasiveness, improved targeting, and better cosmetic outcomes. However, PDT faces challenges, including inadequate photosensitizer (PS) delivery, poor specificity, and degradation in physiological environments. Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising solution to enhance PDT by improving the stability, selectivity, and therapeutic efficacy of PSs. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have shown the potential to enhance PDT outcomes, particularly in OSCC, by inhibiting tumor proliferation and improving diagnostic accuracy without systemic toxicity. Despite these advancements, the conventional chemical synthesis of AuNPs poses environmental concerns, high costs, and potential biocompatibility issues. This study introduces a novel biogenic synthesis approach for AuNPs, utilizing green chemistry principles to create more biocompatible and environmentally sustainable nanoparticles. The novelty of this research lies in the application of green-synthesized AuNPs to enhance PS delivery in PDT, offering a more effective and less toxic treatment option for oral cancer. This innovative approach addresses the limitations of current PDT and nanoparticle synthesis methods, contributing to the development of more sustainable and biocompatible cancer therapies. The study's findings are contextualized within the increasing scholarly and patent activity surrounding AuNPs and 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) in cancer therapies, underscoring the growing importance of this field in advancing OSCC management. • Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is deadly, and improved treatment options are urgently needed. • Photodynamic therapy (PDT) offers a less invasive OSCC treatment but has limitations in photosensitizer delivery. • Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) enhance PDT by improving photosensitizer stability and targeting cancer cells effectively • Traditional AuNP synthesis uses harmful chemicals, posing safety and environmental risks. • Green synthesis of AuNPs offers a safer, eco-friendly alternative for cancer treatment.