Abstract
Core-shell nanoparticles (CSNPs) have unique properties that arise from the large surface area of their nano sizes (1–100 nm) and the synergy of the core with the shell material. Their applications as drug delivery vehicles in targeted photodynamic therapy (TPDT) have been reported over the past decades. Interestingly, inorganic/inorganic metal CSNPs consisting of noble metal core or shell surface are the most researched class of CSNPs as photosensitizer (PS) drug carriers in TPDT. This is due to their biocompatibility, easy surface modifications, and tunable surface plasmonic resonance properties that depend on the size and shape of the CSNPs. This chapter will outline the preparation and characterization techniques of CSNPs, the strategies that are employed for attaching PS drugs on the surface of metallic CSNPs, their colloidal stability, delivery, and subcellular localization on different cancer cells. Subsequently, the chapter will also outline the effect of the CSNPs on the photodynamic therapy efficiency of the CSNPs conjugated PS agents as compared to PS agents alone.