Copper-Induced Supramolecular Assemblies for Biomedical Applications

Copper is an essential transition metal in living systems, primarily functioning as a cofactor in enzymes, and is tightly regulated by trafficking proteins. Excessive intracellular copper ions can induce cuproptosis-a distinct form of cell death closely associated with mitochondrial energy metabolism disruption. The unique chemical and biological properties of copper have also inspired the development of copper-induced supramolecular self-assemblies, which hold great promise in artificial catalysts, drug delivery, and catalytic therapeutics. This concept explores the fundamental design principles underlying copper-induced self-assembly in small molecules, peptides, and polymers, along with their emerging biomedical applications. Finally, key challenges and future directions in this rapidly evolving field are highlighted.