Copper doped hybrid nanosponges functionalized with Aplysina aerophoba extract for enhanced bioactive performance

In this study, Cu (II) ion incorporated hybrid nanosponge (Cu2+ hNSs) derived from extracts of Aplysina aerophoba was synthesised, and its antimicrobial activity against some bacterial species, including Staphylococcus aureus, Aeromonas hydrophila, Aeromonas sobria, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella enterica, was evaluated. According to the results of the characterisation test, Cu(II)-incorporated hybrid nanosponges were well dispersed on the surface. The diameters of A. aerophoba extract and Cu(II) ion incorporated hybrid nanosponges were found to range between 12 and 14 μm using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for obtaining SEM images. The antioxidant activity of A. aerophoba extract and Cu(II) ion incorporated hybrid nanosponge was determined against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Cu(II) ion-incorporated hybrid nanosponges exhibit significantly higher antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, A. hydrophila, A. sobria, Escherichia coli, and S. enterica compared to the A. aerophoba extract, which alone showed minimal activity. As a result, we suggest that Cu (II) ion incorporated hybrid nanosponges were synthesized with A. aerophoba extract by an effective, inexpensive, and eco-friendly method and are applicable for antimicrobial activity studies. This study demonstrates the laboratory-scale feasibility of Cu(II)-doped hybrid nanosponges functionalized with Aplysina aerophoba extract, providing proof-of-concept results that may serve as a foundation for future commercial applications.