Green synthesis of copper nanoparticles using Citrullus colocynthis leaves extract: photocatalytic, antimicrobial and antioxidant studies

Abstract

Abstract Considering the ecofriendly aspects of green synthesis, copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) were produced using leaves extract of Citrullus colocynthis (Desert Gourd) as a reducing agent and CuSO4 as a Cu precursor. The characterization of synthesized Cu NPs was performed using various techniques including UV-Visible spectroscopy (UVS), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). The tested NPs (face centered cubic) were determined to possess an average size of 17 ± 4.2 nm with spherical shape which exhibited highest absorption (λ max) at 560 nm. These NPs were assessed for their potential to function as a photocatalyst in degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye under UV light and a significant degradation (65 %) of MB dye was observed within irradiation period of 160 min. The Cu NPs displayed a promising antibacterial activity (ABA) against various bacterial cultures such as P. multocida, Botryococcus subtilis, S. aureus and Escherichia coli. While, appreciable antioxidant potential (AP) of tested nanoparticles was also revealed by various invitro antioxidant assays including total phenolic contents (TPC), total flavonoids contents (TFC) and diphenyl picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays. The fabrication of Cu NPs through green route, the use of C. colocynthis extract is recommended as an effective antimicrobial, antioxidant and photocatalytic agent as green route offers various advantages over chemical synthesis.