Copper was registered as the first solid antimicrobial material. Its availability makes it an important option as an antibacterial agent. At nanoparticle size it does not exceed 100 nm, allowing close interaction with microbial membranes, enhancing its effect even more. Copper generates toxic hydroxyl radicals that damage cell membranes of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, among the latter, Enterococcus faecalis, which are present in infected radicular canals. Synthesis of metal nanoparticles with antimicrobial properties has become a viable alternative and has promising applications in the fight against pathogenic microorganisms. Furthermore, the use of some polymers to stabilize nanoparticles increases their release time and may as well decrease the risk of bacterial recolonization and biofilm formation within the ducts, enhancing the antimicrobial properties of these compounds.The aim of this article is to conduct a systematic review of the literature on antimicrobial copper nanoparticles, their current applications and their potential use in the area of oral health, specifically in the field of endodontics.

Aims This study aimed to determine in vitro activity of copper nanoparticles and copper nanowires against C. albicans strains and to assess their effects on morphology and sub‐micron structure. Methods and Results The microdilution method determined the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) and copper nanowires (CuNWs) against three strains of C. albicans: ATCC 10231 and two clinical strains (C and E). Effects on the morphology and ultrastructure of C. albicans strains were examined by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. MIC for CuNPs was 129.7 µg/mL for strain ATCC 10231, 1037.5 µg/mL for strain C and 518.8 µg/mL for strain E. MIC for CuNWs was similar for all strains tested (260.3 µg/mL). SEM and TEM studies showed alterations in morphology, cell wall, and the complete collapse of the yeast after incubation with CuNPs. In contrast, most of the yeast cells maintained their structure with an intact cell wall, and only decreased the number and size of fimbriae when C. albicans was exposed to CuNWs. CuNPs and CuNWs formed hierarchical copper oxide nanostructures growing in situ in the culture medium. Results suggest a dual mechanism for antifungal activity: a) free Cu²⁺ ions act as a biocide, b) sharp edges of marigold‐like petal nanostructures could injure the cellular wall and membrane and cause the death of the yeast. Conclusions CuNPs and CuNWs inhibited the growth of the three strains of C. albicans tested. Moreover, CuNPs disrupted cell wall with leakage of the cytoplasmic content. Each concentration of the series used for the determination of the activity of copper nanoparticles and nanowires against C. albicans formed copper oxide marigold‐like nanostructures. Significance and Impact This study suggests that CuNPs and CuNWs are good candidates for formulating new therapeutic agents for candidiasis.

Endodontic treatment reduces the amount of bacteria by using antimicrobial agents to favor healing. However, disinfecting all of the canal system is difficult due to its anatomical complexity and may result in endodontic failure. Copper nanoparticles have antimicrobial activity against diverse microorganisms, especially to resistant strains, and offer a potential alternative for disinfection during endodontic therapy. This study evaluated the antibacterial action of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) on an ex vivo multispecies biofilm using plaque count compared to the antibacterial activity of calcium hydroxide Ca(OH)₂. There were significant differences between the Ca(OH)₂ and CuNPs groups as an intracanal dressing compared with the CuNPs groups as an irrigation solution (p < 0.0001). An increase in the count of the group exposed to 7 days of Ca(OH)₂ was observed compared to the group exposed to Ca(OH)₂ for 1 day. These findings differ from what was observed with CuNPs in the same period of time. Antibacterial activity of CuNPs was observed on a multispecies biofilm, detecting an immediate action and over-time effect, gradually reaching their highest efficacy on day 7 after application. The latter raises the possibility of the emergence of Ca(OH)₂-resistant strains and supports the use of CuNPs as alternative intracanal medication.

Nanocomposites and a composite based on poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) were synthesized using commercial copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs), copper/cuprous oxide nanoparticles (Cu|Cu2O-NPs), and copper sulfate (CuSO4), respectively. The Cu|Cu2O-NPs were synthesized using chemical reduction and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The synthesis of Cu|Cu2O-NPs yielded a mixture of Cu and Cu2O, with metal Cu having a spherical morphology of approximately 40 nm in diameter and Cu2O with a diameter of 150 nm. To prepare the nanocomposites (NCs) and the composite material (MC), the NPs and the CuSO4 salt were incorporated into the PBAT matrix in concentrations of 1, 3, and 5% p/p via an ex situ method. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), a tensile test, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and agar diffusion assays were used for structural, thermomechanical, and antimicrobial characterization. Results showed that the reinforcements did not modify the chemical structure of the PBAT and only slightly increased the percentage of crystallization. The mechanical and thermal properties of the PBAT did not change much with the addition of fillers, except for a slight increase in tensile strength and thermal stability, respectively. The agar diffusion antimicrobial assays showed that the NCs and MCs had good inhibitory responses against the nonresistant strains Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus mutans, and Staphylococcus aureus. The MCs based on CuSO4 had the highest biocidal effect, even against the resistant bacteria Acinetobacter baumannii.