Bioavailability, biodistribution, and toxicity of fluorescent metal nanoclusters

The anticipated effects and efficacy of metallic nanoclusters (NCs) in biomedical applications can only be achieved if they adequately reach the target organ, tissue, cells, or even intracellular organelles. Therefore, the bioavailability and biodistribution of these nanostructures can significantly affect their efficacy. A vast variety of coating and targeting decorations have been used to enhance metallic NCs’ efficacy by affecting their bioavailability and biodistribution. These decorations exhibit different strengths and weaknesses in different aspects. Also, one of the biggest obstacles against the clinical application of the nanostructures is some concerns about their toxicity. This chapter elaborately describes the recent research and advances in bioavailability, biodistribution, targeting, excretion, and the biocompatibility profiles of metallic NCs.