Promising biomedical systems based on copper nanoparticles: Synthesis, characterization, and applications

Copper and copper oxide nanoparticles (CuNPs) have unique physicochemical properties that make them highly promising for biomedical applications. This review discusses the application of CuNPs in biomedicine, including diagnosis, therapy, and theranostics. Recent synthesis methods, with an emphasis on green approaches, are described, and the latest techniques for nanoparticle characterization are critically analyzed. CuNPs, including Cu2O, CuO, and Cu, have significant potential as anti-cancer agents, drug delivery systems, and photodynamic therapy enhancers, among other applications. While challenges such as ensuring biocompatibility and stability must be addressed, the state-of-the-art research reviewed here provides strong evidence for the efficacy and versatility of CuNPs. These multifunctional properties have been extensively researched and documented, showcasing the immense potential of CuNPs in biomedicine. Overall, the evidence suggests that CuNPs are a promising avenue for future research and development in biomedicine. We strongly support further progress in the development of synthesis and application strategies to enhance the effectiveness and safety of CuNPs for clinical purposes.

Recent developments in photodynamic therapy and its application against multidrug resistant cancers

Recently, photodynamic therapy (PDT) has received a lot of attention for its potential use in cancer treatment. It enables the therapy of a multifocal disease with the least amount of tissue damage. The most widely used prodrug is 5-aminolevulinic acid, which undergoes heme pathway conversion to protoporphyrin IX, which acts as a photosensitizer (PS). Additionally, hematoporphyrin, bacteriochlorin, and phthalocyanine are also studied for their therapeutic potential in cancer. Unfortunately, not every patient who receives PDT experiences a full recovery. Resistance to different anticancer treatments is commonly observed. A few of the resistance mechanisms by which cancer cells escape therapeutics are genetic factors, drug-drug interactions, impaired DNA repair pathways, mutations related to inhibition of apoptosis, epigenetic pathways, etc. Recently, much research has been conducted to develop a new generation of PS based on nanomaterials that could be used to overcome cancer cells' multidrug resistance (MDR). Various metal-based, polymeric, lipidic nanoparticles (NPs), dendrimers, etc, have been utilized in the PDT application against cancer. This article discusses the detailed mechanism by which cancer cells evolve towards MDR as well as recent advances in PDT-based NPs for use against multidrug-resistant cancers.

Red light-activable biotinylated copper(II) complex-functionalized gold nanocomposite (Biotin-Cu@AuNP) towards targeted photodynamic therapy

We report the synthesis and characterization of red-light activable gold nanoparticle functionalized with biotinylated copper(II) complex of general molecular formula, [Cu(L³)(L⁶)]-AuNPs (Biotin-Cu@AuNP), where L³ = N-(3-((E)-3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-hydroxybenzylideneamino)-4-hydroxyphenyl)-5-((3aS,4S,6aR)-2-oxo-hexahydro-1H-thieno[3,4-d]imidazol-4-yl)pentanamide, L⁶ = 5-(1,2-dithiolan-3-yl)-N-(1,10-phenanthrolin-5-yl)pentanamide, which was explored for their photophysical, theoretical and photo-cytotoxic potentials. The nanoconjugate exhibits differential uptake in biotin positive and biotin negative cancer cells as well as normal cells. The nanoconjugate also shows remarkable photodynamic activity against biotin positive A549 (IC₅₀: 13 μg/mL in red light; >150 μg/mL in dark) and HaCaT (IC₅₀: 23 μg/mL in red light; >150 μg/mL in dark) cells under red light (600-720 nm, 30 Jcm^-2) irradiation, with significantly high photo-indices (PI>15). The nanoconjugate is less toxic to HEK293T (biotin negative) and HPL1D (normal) cells. Confocal microscopy confirms preferential mitochondrial and partly cytoplasmic localization of Biotin-Cu@AuNP in A549 cells. Several photo-physical and theoretical studies reveal the red light-assisted generation of singlet oxygen (¹O₂) (Ф (¹O₂) =0.68) as a reactive oxygen species (ROS) which results in remarkable oxidative stress and mitochondrial membrane damage, leading to caspase 3/7-dependent apoptosis of A549 cells. Overall, the nanocomposite (Biotin-Cu@AuNP) exhibiting red light-assisted targeted photodynamic activity has emerged as the ideal next generation PDT agents.

One Pot Synthesis of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles for Efficient Antibacterial Activity

The unique semiconductor and optical properties of copper oxides have attracted researchers for decades. However, using fruit waste materials such as peels to synthesize the nanoparticles of copper oxide (CuO NPs) has been rarely described in literature reviews. The main purpose of this part of the research was to report on the CuO NPs with the help of apple peel extract under microwave irradiation. Metal salts and extracts were irradiated at 540 W for 5 min in a microwave in a 1:2 ratio. The crystallinity of the NPs was confirmed by the XRD patterns and the crystallite size of the NPs was found to be 41.6 nm. Elemental mapping of NPs showed homogeneous distributions of Cu and O. The NPs were found to contain Cu and O by EDX and XPS analysis. In a test involving two human pathogenic microbes, NPs showed antibacterial activity and the results revealed that the zone of inhibition grew significantly with respect to the concentration of CuO NPs. In a biofilm, more specifically, NPs at 25.0 µg/mL reduced mean thickness and biomass values of S. aureus and E. coli biofilms by >85.0 and 65.0%, respectively, with respect to untreated controls. In addition, environmentally benign materials offer a number of benefits for pharmaceuticals and other biomedical applications as they are eco-friendly and compatible.

Microstructure and Antibacterial Properties of Chitosan-Fe3O4-AgNP Nanocomposite

The goal of this research is to synthesize and characterize Fe₃O₄@Chitosan-AgNP nanocomposites in order to determine their antibacterial activity. The research methods include the synthesis of Fe₃O₄@Chitosan-AgNP nanocomposites, as well as the characterization of nanoparticles using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis, and subsequent antibacterial activity tests. The study's findings demonstrated the successful synthesis of Fe₃O₄@Chitosan-AgNP nanocomposites, followed by nanoparticle characterization using SEM, TEM, XRD, and FTIR. Based on the XRD results, the conjugation of Fe₃O₄@Chitosan-AgNP nanocomposites has been successfully formed, as evidenced by the appearance of characteristic peaks of Fe₃O₄, chitosan, and AgNPs. According to the FTIR results, the interaction between chitosan-AgNPs and conjugated Fe₃O₄ occurred via the N atom in the NH₂ group and the O atom in the OH group, and C=O. The SEM and TEM images also show that the Fe₃O₄@Chitosan-AgNP conjugation is a nanoparticle-based composite material. The combination of nanocomposites Fe₃O₄@Chitosan-AgNPs has antibacterial activity, inhibiting the growth of bacteria such as Bacillus cereus and Escherichia coli.

Recent Advances in Nanoparticle-Based Co-Delivery Systems for Cancer Therapy

Cancer therapies have advanced tremendously throughout the last decade, yet multiple factors still hinder the success of the different cancer therapeutics. The traditional therapeutic approach has been proven insufficient and lacking in the suppression of tumor growth. The simultaneous delivery of multiple small-molecule chemotherapeutic drugs and genes improves the effectiveness of each treatment, thus optimizing efficacy and improving synergistic effects. Nanomedicines integrating inorganic, lipid, and polymeric-based nanoparticles have been designed to regulate the spatiotemporal release of the encapsulated drugs. Multidrug-loaded nanocarriers are a potential strategy to fight cancer and the incorporation of co-delivery systems as a feasible treatment method has projected synergistic benefits and limited undesirable effects. Moreover, the development of co-delivery systems for maximum therapeutic impact necessitates better knowledge of the appropriate therapeutic agent ratio as well as the inherent heterogeneity of the cancer cells. Co-delivery systems can simplify clinical processes and increase patient quality of life, even though such systems are more difficult to prepare than single drug delivery systems. This review highlights the progress attained in the development and design of nano carrier-based co-delivery systems and discusses the limitations, challenges, and future perspectives in the design and fabrication of co-delivery systems.

Effects of copper oxide nanoparticle on gill filtration rate, respiration rate, hemocyte associated immune parameters and oxidative status of an Indian freshwater mussel

Waterbodies of India support a wide range of molluscs including Lamellidens marginalis, a pearl forming edible mussel of ecological significance. Report of copper oxide nanoparticle toxicity in Indian molluscs is limited in scientific literature. L. marginalis is a gill respiring filter feeder, which is toxicologically vulnerable to exposure of copper oxide nanoparticles liberated from electrical, textile and polymer industries. Experimental exposure of copper oxide nanoparticles for 7 days yielded a decrease in gill filtration rate, respiration rate, total count and phagocytic response of hemocytes, the chief immunoeffector cells of L. marginalis. Nanoparticle exposure resulted in decrease of phagocytic response of mussel hemocytes. Decrease in nitric oxide generation and phenoloxidase activity were recorded in L. marginalis exposed to 0.5, 1 and 5 mg copper oxide nanoparticles per litre of water for 7 and 14 days. Superoxide anion generation in hemocytes was increased under the exposure of copper oxide nanoparticles. Increase in superoxide anion and decrease in the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase were indicative to oxidative stress in mussels. Copper oxide nanoparticle induced shift in filtration and respiration rate along with the hemocyte associated immune parameters were suggestive to an acute immunophysiological stress in L. marginalis. We estimated the functional performance of gill and physiological status of aquatic respiration in L. marginalis exposed to copper oxide nanoparticles. A parallel set of estimation of each parameter was carried out in L. marginalis exposed to identical copper sulphate concentrations to record and compare the ionic toxicity of copper in the same specimen.

Synthesis, microbial susceptibility and anti-cancerous properties of copper oxide nanoparticles- review

Use of Nanoparticles in the diagnosis of cancer and treatment of Cancer is being rapidly studied and developed. The present cancer chemotherapy agents are not much selective in differentiating between cancer cells and normal cells and often lead to development of drug resistance and severe side effects. This has prompted the need to study other potential anticancer agents like metallic oxide nanoparticles, with emphasis on their synthesis and application s in the treatment of cancer by designing targeted delivery system to tumour and cancer cells [Vinardell and Mitjans 2015. Nanomaterials, 5, 1004–1021, Valodkar et al 2011. Mater Chem Phys, 128, 83–89]. In this review paper an attempt has been made to study various methods of preparation of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles, their characteristics and the detailed microbial activities and anti-cancerous properties of these differently synthesized Copper Oxide Nanoparticles.

Toxicological assessment of dust from sanding micronized copper-treated lumber in vivo

Micronized copper azole (MCA) is a lumber treatment improve longevity. In this study, the in vivo response to PM_2.5 sanding dust generated from MCA-treated lumber was compared to that of untreated yellow pine (UYP) or soluble copper azole-treated (CA-C) lumber to determine if the MCA was more bioactive than CA-C. Mice were exposed to doses (28, 140, or 280 μg/mouse) of UYP, MCA, or CA-C sanding dust using oropharyngeal aspiration. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) lactate dehydrogenase activity was increased at 1 day post-exposure to 280 μg/mouse of MCA and CA-C compared to UYP. BALF polymorphonuclear cells were increased by MCA and CA-C. There were increases in BALF cytokines in MCA and CA-C-exposed groups at 1 day post-exposure. Lung histopathology indicated inflammation with infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages. Pulmonary responses were more severe in MCA and CA-C-exposed groups at 1 day post-exposure. MCA caused more severe inflammatory responses than CA-C at 1 day post-exposure. These findings suggest that the MCA and CA-C sanding dusts are more bioactive than the UYP sanding dust, and, moreover, the MCA sanding dust is more bioactive in comparison to the CA-C sanding dust. No chronic toxic effects were observed among all observed sanding dusts.

CuIIcomplex of emodin with improved anticancer activity as demonstrated by its performance on HeLa and Hep G2 cells

Structure of Cu^IIcomplex of emodin was solved from PXRD data. [Cu^II(emod)₂]²⁻binds DNA better than emodin. Thermodynamic parameters for binding were found. Complex performs better than emodin on HeLa & Hep G2 cells; not affecting WI 38 normal cells.

Synthesis, crystal structure from PXRD of a MnII(purp)2complex, interaction with DNA at different temperatures and pH and lack of stimulated ROS formation by the complex

Mn^II(purpurin)₂crystal structure done from PXRD is the second report on hydroxy-9,10-anthraquinone with a 3d-transition metal. DNA binding of complex is better and ROS generation less than purpurin. Complex maintains biological activity of purpurin.