Figure 1.

Pre-clinical models for testing efficacy of gold nanoparticles. There are three main models that can be utilized pre-clinically for measuring and optimizing the delivery of gold nanoparticles. First, we have the two-dimensional monolayer tissue culture model, which involves single cells. For further complexity, the introduction of a three-dimensional spheroid model allows for improved experimentation, as it better mimics the in-vivo environment, including the addition of an extracellular matrix. Finally, you have animal xenograft models, that allow for the most accurate testing before moving into clinical trials. In animal xenograft models, you have immune infiltrate, tumour vasculature, and a complete tumour microenvironment. Mouse in figure created with BioRender.com