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Bioactivity, mechanism of action, and cytotoxicity of copper-based nanoparticles: A review

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Abstract

Nanotechnology is an emerging branch of science, which has potential to solve many problems in different fields. The union of nanotechnology with other fields of sciences including physics, chemistry, and biology has brought the concept of synthesis of nanoparticles from their respective metals. Till date, many types of nanoparticles have been synthesized and being used in different fields for various applications. Moreover, copper nanoparticles attract biologists because of their significant and broad-spectrum bioactivity. Due to the large surface area to volume ratio, copper nanoparticles have been used as potential antimicrobial agent in many biomedical applications. But the excess use of any metal nanoparticles increase the chance of toxicity to humans, other living beings, and environment. In this article, we have critically reviewed the bioactivities and cytotoxicity of copper nanoparticles. We have also focused on possible mechanism involved in its interaction with microbes.

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Acknowledgments

API is highly thankful to the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, New Delhi for providing financial assistance in the form of major research project under Fast-Track scheme for young scientist. MKR thankfully acknowledges the financial support by FAPESP to visit Institute of Chemistry, Biological Chemistry Laboratory, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biotechnology, Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University, Amravati, 444 602, Maharashtra, India

    Avinash P. Ingle & Mahendra Rai

  2. Center of Natural and Human Sciences, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo Andre, Sao Paulo, Brazil

    Nelson Duran

  3. Institute of Chemistry, Biological Chemistry Laboratory, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil

    Nelson Duran & Mahendra Rai

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  1. Avinash P. Ingle
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Correspondence to Mahendra Rai.

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Ingle, A.P., Duran, N. & Rai, M. Bioactivity, mechanism of action, and cytotoxicity of copper-based nanoparticles: A review. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 98, 1001–1009 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-013-5422-8

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