Protein Hydrolysate-mediated Green Synthesis of Antibacterial and Photocatalytic Copper Oxide Nanoparticles

Introduction: In this work, we have demonstrated the eco-friendly synthesis of copper oxide (Cu2O) nanoparticles using protein hydrolysate solution. These nanoparticles were completely characterized using standard analytical techniques. Further, their antibacterial and photocatalytic properties were also evaluated against different microorganisms and organic dyes and pesticides, respectively. Method: Copper sulfate was reacted with protein hydrolysate solution to obtain the copper oxide (Cu2O) nanoparticles. The obtained nanoparticles were characterized by UV-visible spectrophotometry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Antibacterial activity of the obtained copper oxide nanoparticles was tested against Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus subtilis, and Pseudomonas putida. Photocatalytic activity was tested against dyes such as Methyl red, P-nitrophenol, and Congo red, and pesticides such as Chlorpyrifos and Metalaxyl. Results: The size of the obtained copper oxide (Cu2O) nanoparticles was found to be 50nm. These as-synthesized copper oxide (Cu2O) nanoparticles were found to be antibacterial in nature against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria such as Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus subtilis, and Pseudomonas putida. These copper oxide nanoparticles (Cu2O) were also found to be a strong photocatalyst and shown to be active in degrading dyes such as Methyl red, P-nitrophenol, and Congo red, as well as harmful pesticides such as Chlorpyrifos and Metalaxyl. Discussion: The green-synthesized copper oxide (Cu2O) nanoparticles have been shown to possess very good antibacterial and photocatalytic activities, which could be exploited in various applications. Conclusion: In conclusion, Novel green copper oxide nanoparticles have been synthesized using protein hydrolysate solution having antibacterial and photocatalytic activities.