Using Plasmonic Copper Sulfide Nanocrystals as Smart Light-Driven Sterilants.
As an efficient route to control pet overpopulation and develop neutered experimental animals, male sterilization via surgical techniques, chemical injections, and antifertility vaccines has brought particular attention recently. However, these traditional ways usually induce long-term adverse reactions, immune suppression, and serious infection and pain. To overcome the above limitations, we developed a platform in the present study by using plasmonic copper sulfide nanocrystals (Cu2-xS NCs) as intelligent light-driven sterilants with ideal outcomes. Upon NIR laser irradiation, these well-prepared Cu2-xS NCs can possess NIR-induced hyperthermia and generate high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Due to the cooperation of photothermal and photodynamic effects, these nanocrystals exhibited NIR-mediated toxicity toward Sertoli cells both in vitro and in vivo in a mild manner. We attribute the potential mechanism of cellular injury to the apoptosis-related death and denaturation of protein in the testicles. Furthermore, the possible metabolism route and long-term toxicity of these nanocrystals after testicular injection indicate their high biocompatibility. Taking together, our study on the NIR-induced toxicity of Cu2-xS NCs provides keen insights for the usage of plasmonic nanomaterials in biomedicine.
State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization and Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry , Changchun 130022, China.
Zhen
Z
Liu
Bethune Institute of Epigenetic Medicine, First Hospital of Jilin University , Changchun 130021, China.
Xianjun
X
Liu
College of Life Science, Jilin University , Changchun, Jilin 130012, China.
Yingda
Y
Du
State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization and Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry , Changchun 130022, China.
Jinsong
J
Ren
State Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Resource Utilization and Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry , Changchun 130022, China.
Xiaogang
X
Qu
D000818:Animals; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects; D003300:Copper / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced / Q000379:methods; D007259:Infrared Rays; D007834:Lasers; D008027:Light; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000378:metabolism; D012708:Sertoli Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D013245:Sterilization, Reproductive / Q000379:methods*; D013440:Sulfides / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*
D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; D013440:Sulfides; D003300:Copper
copper sulfide; fertility; male sterilization; photodynamic effect; photothermal effect