Nanoparticles comprising a metal core surrounded by a monolayer for lymph node targeting

Amphiphilic gold nanoparticles (amph-NPs), composed of gold cores surrounded by an amphiphilic mixed organic ligand shell, are capable of embedding within and traversing lipid membranes. Active agent is bound thereto for use in vaccine and other adjuvant therapies, immunomodulation, and treatment of microbial infections, cancer, autoimmune disease, inflammation and inflammatory disorders.