Synthesis and Biomedical Applications of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles: An Expanding Horizon

Abstract

Synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles with tunable size and desirable properties is a foremost thrust area of the biomedical research domain. Though these features primarily rely on the synthetic approaches involved, with advancements in this area, it has been documented that the synthesis parameters and surface modifiers have a direct impact on the morphology and eventually on the biomedical properties. “Sensing” remains a major application of nanomaterials owing to their small size and unusual physicochemical properties, but in the past few years, a paradigm shift has occurred toward “theranostic” combination of the sensing and therapeutic features on a single platform. Copper oxide nanoparticles have been efficiently used for sensing and targeting in both in-vivo and in-vitro environments, although few key challenges are yet to be resolved before implementing at a commercial level. This review article attempts to summarize the recent advancements in the various synthetic approaches toward copper oxide nanoparticles and their biomedical applications. It highlights various synthetic methodologies including electrochemical, chemical, and biogenic methods, the role of surface modifiers in growth mechanisms, and their impact on biomedical applications. Finally, the current status, key challenges, and future perspective of copper oxide nanoparticles will be discussed that inevitably have an impact on their current and future scenarios.

Fabrication of monodispersed copper oxide nanoparticles with potential application as antimicrobial agents

“…Although clinical application of copper oxide nanoparticles is controversial due to potential adverse effects to human cells, several studies reported less or no toxicity of copper oxide nanoparticles 59,70 . Unfortunately, the dependence of efficient bactericidal activity of Cu 2 O NPs up on the dissolved Cu +1 ions and solubility of www.nature.com/scientificreports/ the nanoparticles at lower pH significantly decreases their potential clinical applications at physiological pHs (6)(7)(8).…”

Fruit Extract Mediated Green Synthesis of Metallic Nanoparticles: A New Avenue in Pomology Applications

“…Copper oxide (Cu 2 O) is claimed to be a transition metal oxide having narrow bandgap, i.e., ~2.0 eV and shows distinct features like significant electrochemical activity, improved redox potential, high specific surface area and incomparable stability in solutions. It is the second choice of researchers working in the field of nanotechnology after the noble metal nanoparticles, owing to its propitious application in different subjects like antifouling coatings, biocidal agents, catalysis, sensors/biosensors, electrochemistry and energy storage [ 72 ]. These nanoparticles are extensively used for non-enzymatic sensing of clinical analytes due to their ability to promote electron transfer reaction even at low potential [ 72 ].…”

“…It is the second choice of researchers working in the field of nanotechnology after the noble metal nanoparticles, owing to its propitious application in different subjects like antifouling coatings, biocidal agents, catalysis, sensors/biosensors, electrochemistry and energy storage [ 72 ]. These nanoparticles are extensively used for non-enzymatic sensing of clinical analytes due to their ability to promote electron transfer reaction even at low potential [ 72 ]. The Cu 2 ONPs derived from fruits have been listed along with various applications in Table 3 .…”

Abatement of the Stimulatory Effect of Copper Nanoparticles Supported on Titania on Ovarian Cell Functions by Some Plants and Phytochemicals

“…In particular, nanoparticles of the relatively cheap and abundant copper (CuNPs) have found multiple applications in diverse areas, including catalysis [ 5 ] and materials science [ 6 , 7 ]. However, CuNPs have also been exploited for disinfection purposes because of their effective antimicrobial properties, in medicinal chemistry or as farm animal food additives [ 8 , 9 , 10 ]. Nevertheless, copper nanoparticles can adversely influence various biological processes [ 11 , 12 , 13 ] and produce some toxicological effects on individual organisms [ 14 ].…”