copper nanoparticles

**Copper nanoparticles** (CuNPs) are nano-sized particles of copper, typically less than 100 nm in diameter. These metallic nanoparticles possess unique physicochemical properties, such as a high surface area-to-volume ratio and reactivity, making them promising for various biomedical applications. In the pharmaceutical and biomedical sectors, CuNPs have been studied as: - **Antimicrobials** (antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral): They disrupt microbial cell membranes and intracellular functions, destroying or inhibiting pathogens including drug-resistant strains. - **Antioxidants:** By scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), they protect cells from oxidative stress, contributing to the treatment of disorders linked to oxidative imbalance. - **Anticancer agents:** CuNPs selectively induce apoptosis in cancer cells, can inhibit tumor growth and angiogenesis, and are explored for targeted drug delivery (including as vehicles for chemotherapeutics and in photothermal therapy). - **Wound healing:** They promote angiogenesis, collagen production, and cell proliferation, accelerating tissue repair and minimizing infection when incorporated into dressings. - **Imaging and diagnostics:** Surface-functionalized CuNPs can serve as contrast or imaging agents in diagnostic procedures. - **Immunotherapy:** Emerging applications include enhancing antigen presentation and modulating immune responses. Key limitations for pharmaceutical use are concerns about toxicity, stability, biocompatibility, and controlled drug release. Development is ongoing to optimize biomedical performance and safety[1][2][3][5].

Other names

copper nanomaterialsCuNPscopper-based nanoparticlescopper oxide nanoparticles