Recent Advances in Small Copper Sulfide Nanoparticles for Molecular Imaging and Tumor Therapy.

Small copper sulfide nanoparticles (s-Cu2-xS NPs, 0 < x < 1) with a core size of less than 5.5 nm have unique physicochemical characteristics and pharmacokinetic properties and have attracted substantial attention from researchers in the field of biomedicine in recent years. After exposure to near-infrared (NIR) light, s-Cu2-xS NPs can rapidly convert light energy into heat for photoacoustic imaging (PAI) and photothermal therapy (PTT). In addition, the potential for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, along with the low toxicity and low cost, makes s-Cu2-xS NPs a promising multifunctional diagnostic reagent. This Review outlines recent advances in s-Cu2-xS NPs for molecular imaging and tumor therapy and discusses the challenges associated with successful clinical translation.