What does "Copper Nanoparticles" mean?

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Copper nanoparticles, or Cu-NPs, are tiny particles made of copper that are less than 20 nanometers in size. They come in different shapes, like stars and spheres, which help them move easily into cells. These nanoparticles are important in medicine and pharmacy because they have a strong attraction to glucose, which is a type of sugar important for energy in our bodies.

#Green Method Synthesis

Cu-NPs are created using a friendly method that uses vitamin C from Iraqi lemons. This method is better for the environment compared to traditional ways of making nanoparticles.

#Importance in Medicine

Researchers study Cu-NPs because they may help in treating diseases, including cancer. They have been tested to see how they affect an enzyme called lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), which is important for how our cells breathe and produce energy.

#Effects on Cancer Treatment

In studies involving cancer patients who received radiation treatment, it was found that LDH levels increased significantly. This increase could help cancer cells grow. However, when Cu-NPs were used, there was a decrease in LDH activity, suggesting that these nanoparticles might help slow down the growth of cancer cells.

#Changes from Radiation

Interestingly, when Cu-NPs were exposed to X-ray radiation, their properties changed, and LDH levels went up again. This shows that how Cu-NPs behave can be affected by different treatments, which is important for understanding their potential use in cancer therapies.