In vitro and in vivo toxicity studies of copper sulfide nanoplates for potential photothermal applications

Copper sulfide (CuS) nanoplates have recently emerged as a new and promising type of photothermal agent for cancer therapy. However, the potential toxic effects of CuS nanoplates still remained poorly understood. Herein, both in vitro and in vivo extensive studies were performed to evaluate the biocompatibility of CuS nanoplates. It is demonstrated that CuS nanoplates have no obvious toxicity. Therefore, our results provide a useful critical guideline in selecting CuS nanoplates for cancer photothermal ablation therapy.129