Gold plays an important role in medicine and medical technology due to its unique properties such as resistance to corrosion and chemical reactivity, and its ability to conduct electricity. Here are some of the main uses of gold in these fields:
1. Medicine
A. Dentistry
- Dental fillings, crowns and bridges : Gold is commonly used in dentistry because it is durable and does not react with acids in the mouth.
B. Chrysotherapy
- Rheumatoid arthritis : Gold compounds are used to treat some types of rheumatoid arthritis. These compounds are injected into the joints to reduce inflammation and pain.
C. Medical diagnosis
- Radiological examination : Gold nanoparticles are used as contrast agents in CT imaging to locate tumors and calcifications with high accuracy.
2. Medical technology
A. Nanotechnology
- Gold nanoparticles : Gold nanoparticles are used in cancer research to treat tumors. These particles are directed to cancer cells and then exposed to heat or radiation to destroy the targeted cells without harming healthy cells.
b. Sensors
- Biosensors : Gold-coated probes are used to detect the presence of certain molecules in the body, such as proteins or DNA, which helps in the early diagnosis of diseases.
C. Medical electronic devices
- Electrical conductivity : Gold foil and wire are used in medical devices such as pacemakers due to gold's high conductivity and chemical stability.
3. Heat treatments
- Photothermal therapy : Gold nanoparticles are used in treatments that rely on heating cancer cells with a laser until they die, which is an effective and less invasive method compared to traditional surgery.
Additional Resources
- Mayo Clinic article on the uses of gold in medicine.
- Article from the Medical Technology Association on the applications of gold in medical devices.
The uses of gold in medicine and medical technology are many and depend on its unique properties, which makes it a valuable material in these fields.
