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Development of Copper Nanoclusters for In Vitro and In Vivo Theranostic Applications
Author(s) -
Lai WingFu,
Wong WingTak,
Rogach Andrey L.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
advanced materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 10.707
H-Index - 527
eISSN - 1521-4095
pISSN - 0935-9648
DOI - 10.1002/adma.201906872
Subject(s) - nanotechnology , nanoclusters , copper , materials science , nanomaterials , metallurgy
Abstract Theranostics refers to the incorporation of therapeutic and diagnostic functions into one material system. An important class of nanomaterials exploited for theranostics is metal nanoclusters (NCs). In contrast to gold and silver NCs, copper is an essential trace element for humans. It can be more easily removed from the body. This, along with the low cost of copper that offers potential large‐scale nanotechnology applications, means that copper NCs have attracted great interest in recent years. The latest advances in the design, synthesis, surface engineering, and applications of copper NCs in disease diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment are reviewed. Strategies to control and enhance the emission of copper NCs are considered. With this synopsis of the up‐to‐date development of copper NCs as theranostic agents, it is hoped that insights and directions for translating current advances from the laboratory to the clinic can be further advanced and accelerated.