Green synthesis, characterization, antioxidant, antibacterial, and photocatalytic activity of Suaeda maritima (L.) Dumort aqueous extract-mediated copper oxide nanoparticles.

Background: The aim of this work was to synthesize copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) utilizing heartwood aqueous extract of Suaeda maritima (L.) Dumort. The synthesis of CuO NPs using green methodology with small size and high stability paved the way to protect the environment by not involving toxic chemicals and environment-friendly methodology for pharmacological and photocatalytic applications. The aqueous areal parts extract of S. maritima (L.) Dumort was used for synthesis, characterization of CuO NPs was studied, and further its antioxidant, antibacterial, and photocatalytic activity for the removal of methylene blue was studied.

Results: The synthesized CuO NPs shows characteristic UV-visible absorption maximum at 282 nm. The FT-IR spectra shows peak at 3640 cm attributed to hydrogen bonded O-H group of poly phenols, alcohols, and N-H of amide. Strong peak at 1122 cm corresponds to C-OH stretch in phenols and alcohols. Peaks at 1467 cm and 1585 cm corresponds to C=C in aromatic compounds. Strong peak at 1749 cm represents the C=O in aldehydes or in keto compounds. Several strong bonds identified in the range of 1088 to 1225 cm representing C-O-C stretch vibrations. The synthesized particles were circular in shape with rough surface morphology and dispersed as clusters with size of 37 nm with metallic content of 73.8%. The synthesized CuO NPs were proved as potent antibacterial and antioxidant activities. The photocatalytic for the removal of methylene blue in aqueous solution was studied and results proved that the CuO NPs were effectively remove the dye up to 86.91% within less time of 75 min. Hence, the CuO NPs synthesized are high efficiency with less particle size and can be used as antioxidant, antibacterial agent, and also applicable for the removal of hazardous methylene blue dye from effluents and can contribute indirectly to clean up the environment.

Conclusions: The investigation reports the eco-friendly, cost-effective method for synthesizing copper oxide nanoparticles from S. maritima extract with biomedical applications.