Recent Updates in Chromatographic Techniques for Development of Drugs and Clinical Biomarkers

Copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) have attracted attention as versatile nanomaterials because of their unique physical, chemical and therapeutic properties quite different to those of bulk copper. Copper at the nanoscale possesses improved surface reactivity, redox activity and tunable optical and electrical properties that enable various technological and biomedical applications. This review includes a comprehensive summary of the physical aspects of CuNPs: size- and shape-dependent properties, crystallinity, optical response and thermal/electrical conductivities. Furthermore, the chemical properties of CuNPs including oxidation property, surface chemistry, catalytic activity and mechanisms associated with ROS generation and ion release were also reviewed in detail. Special consideration is given to the therapeutic role of CuNPs, including their anti-microbial/anti-viral activities, wound-healing properties, anti-cancer effects and drug-release applications. Tendencies and challenges for toxicology, biocompatibility and translation are also explored. In general, this review describes the most recent progress in CuNP research and provides future directions for the development of safe and effective therapeutic systems using CuNPs.