Phytosynthesis and Biological Activities of Fluorescent CuO Nanoparticles Using Acanthospermum hispidum L. Extract

Abstract

Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) synthesized by an implicitly environmentally benign process using Acanthospermum hispidum L. aqueous plant extract as an effective bio-oxidizing/bio-reducing agent. Phytochemical screening of the fresh aqueous leaves extract showed the presence of coumarins, tannins, saponins, phenols, flavonoids, sterols and volatile oils. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the possible biomolecules responsible for the formation of copper oxide nanoparticles. X-ray diffraction patterns revealed the monoclinic phase of the synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles. The average size, shape and the crystalline nature of the nanoparticles were determined by field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy analysis. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis confirmed the presence of elements in the synthesized nanoparticles. Photoluminescence and fluorescence life-time spectroscopy showed luminescence properties of copper oxide nanoparticles. Furthermore, Copper oxide nanoparticles evinced highly robust antimicrobial, antimalarial and antimycobacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Plasmodium falciparum and Micobacterium tuberculosis H37RV. The current study demonstrates convenient utilization of Acanthospermum hispidum L. extract as a fuel for the efficient synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles through a green synthesis method to obtain significantly biologically active material.