Biogenic Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesized from Whole Plant Extract of Nicotiana plumbaginifolia Viv.: Characterization, Antibacterial, and Antioxidant Properties

Abstract

Nanoparticles crafted through biological processes show potential for advancing medicine. Plant-derived compounds, produced through environmentally friendly green synthesis, present distinctive and beneficial applications in the field of nanomedicine. This study describes an easy, sustainable, environmentally friendly, and cost-efficient method to create copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) using whole part of Nicotiana plumbaginifolia Viv. extract. The characterization involved various techniques like solid UV-Visible-DR analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), EDAX analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmitted electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) were found to be quasi-spherical pattern, with sizes ranging from 12 to 14 nm, and exhibited a crystal structure identified as monoclinic. The resulting copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) were examined for antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. It showed suppressing bacterial growth against tested human pathogenic bacteria, emphasizing their potential as antimicrobial agents. Results revealed that the maximum zone of inhibition was observed when the concentrations (25, 50, and 100 μL,) of NPs is increased against S. aureus i.e. 17 mm, 20 mm and 22 mm respectively. Whereas findings also reveal potent antioxidant activity, with escalating CuO nanoparticle concentrations correlating to increased percentage inhibition 50 μg/mL – 1.68%, 100 μg/mL – 10.45%, 150 μg/mL – 18.54%, 200 μg/mL – 37.83%, and 250 μg/mL – 51.72%. The highest activity, at 51.72%, occurs at 250 μg/mL.