Synthesis, biomedical applications, and toxicity of CuO nanoparticles

Versatile nature of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) has made them an imperative nanomaterial being employed in nanomedicine. Various physical, chemical, and biological methodologies are in use for the preparation of CuO NPs. The physicochemical and biological properties of CuO NPs are primarily affected by their method of fabrication; therefore, selectivity of a synthetic technique is immensely important that makes these NPs appropriate for a specific biomedical application. The deliberate use of CuO NPs in biomedicine questions their biocompatible nature. For this reason, the present review has been designed to focus on the approaches employed for the synthesis of CuO NPs; their biomedical applications highlighting antimicrobial, anticancer, and antioxidant studies; and most importantly, the in vitro and in vivo toxicity associated with these NPs. This comprehensive overview of CuO NPs is unique and novel as it emphasizes on biomedical applications of CuO NPs along with its toxicological assessments which would be useful in providing core knowledge to researchers working in these domains for planning and conducting futuristic studies.

Automated summary

The versatile nature of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) has made them an important nanomaterial in the field of nanomedicine. Various preparation methods, including physical, chemical, and biological approaches, are used for CuO NPs synthesis. The physicochemical and biological properties of CuO NPs are mainly influenced by the fabrication method, making the selection of an appropriate synthetic technique crucial for specific biomedical applications. However, concerns about the biocompatibility of CuO NPs arise when intentionally using them in biomedicine.