Abstract
Aims: Copper sulfide (CuS) nanoparticles were developed as a new type of agent for photothermal ablation of cancer cells. Materials & methods: CuS nanoparticles were synthesized by wet chemistry and their application in photothermal ablation of tumor cells was tested by irradiation using a near-infrared (NIR) laser beam at 808 nm to elevate the temperature of aqueous solutions of CuS nanoparticles as a function of exposure time and nanoparticle concentration. CuS nanoparticle-mediated photothermal destruction was evaluated using human cervical cancer HeLa cells with respect to laser dose and nanoparticle concentration. Their toxicity was evaluated by the 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Results: CuS nanoparticles have an optical absorption band in the NIR range with a maximum absorbance at 900 nm. Irradiation by a NIR laser beam at 808 nm resulted in an increase in the temperature of the CuS nanoparticle aqueous solution as a function of exposure time and nanoparticle concentration. CuS nanoparticle-induced photothermal destruction of HeLa cells occured in a laser dose- and nanoparticle concentration-dependent manner, and displayed minimal cytotoxic effects with a profile similar to that of gold nanoparticles. Conclusion: Owing to their unique optical property, small size, low cost of production and low cytotoxicity, CuS nanoparticles are promising new nanomaterials for cancer photothermal ablation therapy.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1161-1171 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Nanomedicine |
Volume | 5 |
Issue number | 8 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Oct 2010 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- CuS
- cancer cells
- cancer therapy
- nanoparticles
- near-infrared
- photothermal ablation