Cuprous Nanoparticles in Cancer Therapeutics

Cuprous (Cu+) nanoparticles have emerged as versatile agents in oncological research, offering combined diagnostic and therapeutic functions. Their unique redox properties enable catalytic conversion of endogenous hydrogen peroxide into toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) via Fenton-like reactions, disrupting redox homeostasis in tumour cells. Beyond conventional chemodynamic therapy, Cu+ nanoparticles can deliver ionic copper to mitochondria, triggering a novel cell-death pathway termed cuproptosis, characterised by aggregation of lipoylated mitochondrial proteins and iron-sulphur cluster collapse. Their surface can be engineered for stimuli-responsive release—exploiting acidic pH, elevated glutathione or reactive oxygen species in the tumour microenvironment—and for photothermal conversion under near-infrared irradiation. Such multifunctional platforms allow simultaneous chemodynamic, photothermal and immunomodulatory therapies, enhancing selectivity and minimising systemic toxicity. Recent advances include carrier-free hydrogels, core–shell nanozymes and ionophore-loaded constructs that precisely regulate copper levels, amplify oxidative stress and reprogramme the immune response. As translation accelerates, cuprous nanoparticle systems hold promise for integrative, minimally invasive cancer treatments with global impact.

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Cuprous Nanoparticles in Cancer Therapeutics publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in cuprous nanoparticles in cancer therapeutics across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Cuproptosis: A copper-dependent form of programmed cell death driven by mitochondrial protein aggregation and iron–sulphur cluster destabilisation.

Chemodynamic therapy: Cancer treatment modality that exploits metallic catalysts to convert endogenous substrates into cytotoxic ROS.

Fenton-like reaction: Redox process in which transition metals catalyse the conversion of hydrogen peroxide into hydroxyl radicals.

Photothermal therapy: Use of light-absorbing agents to convert near-infrared light into heat, inducing thermal ablation of tumour cells.

Tumour microenvironment (TME): The local milieu of a tumour, characterised by acidic pH, elevated ROS, hypoxia and high glutathione levels.

References

1. A metal ions-mediated natural small molecules carrier-free injectable hydrogel achieving laser-mediated photo-Fenton-like anticancer therapy by synergy apoptosis/cuproptosis/anti-inflammation. Bioactive Materials (2023).
2. Mild‐Photothermal Effect Induced High Efficiency Ferroptosis‐Boosted‐Cuproptosis Based on Cu2O@Mn3Cu3O8 Nanozyme. Advanced Science (2023).
3. Elesclomol Loaded Copper Oxide Nanoplatform Triggers Cuproptosis to Enhance Antitumor Immunotherapy. Advanced Science (2024).