This Brief focuses on the synthesis, functionalization techniques, optical properties and biomedical application of gold nanostars (GNS). Various facilities of gold nanostars synthesis as well as functionalization of GNS with PEG, organic dyes, bioactive compounds are discussed. The authors discuss physical origin of the Localized Surface Plasmon Resonances and the way the nano-environment affects them. The implication of the LSPR of gold nanostars surface enhanced Raman scattering is also discussed. The emphasis has been done on the application of GNS for current and emerge needs of...