Copper-Induced Supramolecular Assemblies for Biomedical Applications.

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry and Materials Science

Background:

• Copper is vital in biological systems, acting as an enzyme cofactor.
• Excess copper triggers cuproptosis, a cell death linked to mitochondrial dysfunction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore design principles of copper-induced self-assembly.
• To review biomedical applications of these assemblies.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual review of small molecules, peptides, and polymers.
• Analysis of copper's chemical and biological properties.

Main Results:

• Copper's properties enable supramolecular self-assembly.
• These assemblies show potential in catalysis and therapeutics.

Conclusions:

• Copper-induced self-assembly offers promising biomedical applications.
• Further research is needed to address challenges and explore future directions.