Green Synthesis of CuO Nanoparticles Mediated Rhazya Stricta Plant Leaves Extract Characterization and Evaluation of their Antibacterial and Anticancer Activity (in vitro Study)

In this study, a straightforward, expeditious, and environmentally friendly approach to synthesize copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) utilizing an aqueous extract of Rhazya Stricta (R. stricta) leaves was employed. The CuONPs underwent various analytical techniques for characterization, including X-ray diffractometer (XRD), field emission scan electron microscope (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analyses, UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and zeta potential. The XRD analysis authenticated the monoclinic crystal nature, revealing an average crystallite size of 15.6 nm. FESEM images depicted semi-spherical and cubic shapes, with particle sizes ranging from 56.64 to 86.95 nm. The formation of CuONPs was initially confirmed by the observable change in colour, attributed to the excitation of surface Plasmon resonance at 280 nm in the UV-Vis spectra. FTIR analysis affirmed the presence of functional groups in the R. Stricta leaves extract, serving as both reducing and stabilizing agents, facilitating the formation of CuONPs. Zeta potential measurements indicated substantial stability with a value of 46.6 mV. The biosynthesized CuONPs were further evaluated for their antibacterial properties against Klebsiella Pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), yielding inhibition zones of 21 mm and 30 mm, respectively. Additionally, the cytotoxicity assessment of CuONPs against A549 cell lines revealed higher cytotoxicity of 81.47 ± 1.517 at a CuONP concentration of 100 μg/ml. This work is the first attempt at R. stricta-facilitated synthesis of CuONPs as antibacterial and anticancer agents. It can subsequently be exploited as a potential candidate for these agents and might be utilized further in vivo studies.