Copper-Based Nanoparticles in Cancer Therapy: Integrating Synthesis, Biological Interactions, Mechanistic Insights

Abstract

Copper-based nanoparticles (CuNPs) have emerged as a versatile and cost-effective platform in cancer nanomedicine, driven by their intrinsic redox activity and tunable physicochemical properties. Their anticancer activity largely involves amplification of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which impair mitochondrial functions, damages DNA, delays cell division and induces programmed cell death. Interestingly, the cause of selective cytotoxicity of CuNPs over normal tissues is the high basal oxidative stress in cancerous cells. The stability, selectivity, and functional performance of CuNPs have been enhanced lately by the new synthesis methods, surface engineering and the hybrid nanostructures. In preclinical investigations, dose-dependent anti-cancer activity has been demonstrated in a wide range of tumor models and biosafety issues suggest the significance of dose control of oxidative stress and the unwarranted consequences. In comparison to other metal nanoparticles such as silver and gold, CuNPs can provide a favorable balance among therapeutic activity, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. Regardless of these benefits, there are oxidative instability, reproducibility, and limited clinical translation. The development of the future will rely on using CuNPs in combination regimens and customized nanomedicine, and rigorous in vivo validation and clinical evaluation. Altogether, CuNPs are a potentially powerful but immature nanotherapeutic platform that has a high chance of being used to treat cancer in the next generation.