Copper sulfide nanostructures: synthesis and biological applications

Over the past few years, considerable attention has been paid to biomedical applications of copper sulfide nanostructures owing to their enhanced physiochemical and pharmacokinetics characteristics in comparison to gold, silver, and carbon nanomaterials. The small-sized Cu(x)S(y) nanoparticles have the advantage to absorb efficiently in the near-infrared region (NIR) above 700 nm and the absorption can be tuned by altering their stoichiometries. Moreover, their easy removal through the kidneys overpowers the issue of toxicity caused by many inorganic substances. The low cost and selectivity further add to the advantages of Cu(x)S(y) nanostructures as electrode materials in comparison to relatively expensive materials such as silver and gold nanoparticles. This review is mainly focused on the synthesis and biomedical applications of Cu(x)S(y) nanostructures. The first part summarizes the various synthetic routes used to produce Cu(x)S(y) nanostructures with varying morphologies, while the second part targets the recent progress made in the application of small-sized Cu(x)S(y) nanostructures as biosensors, and their analysis and uses in the cure of cancer. Photoacoustic imaging and other cancer treatment applications are discussed. Research on Cu(x)S(y) nanostructures will continue to increase over the next few decades, and great opportunities lie ahead for potential biomedical applications of Cu(x)S(y) nanostructures.