Green Synthesis of Multifunctional EA‐CuO Nanoparticles Using Elytraria acaulis (L.f.) Lindau Leaf Extract: Assessment of Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and Antidiabetic Activities

ABSTRACT The increasing demand for sustainable nanotechnology has encouraged eco‐friendly approaches for nanoparticle synthesis. In this study, copper oxide nanoparticles (EA‐CuO NPs) were synthesized using Elytraria acaulis (L.f.) Lindau leaf extract as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent. The nanoparticles were characterized using UV–Vis, FTIR, SEM, TEM, EDX, XRD, DLS, and zeta‐potential analyses. UV–Vis and FTIR analyses confirmed nanoparticle formation and the involvement of phytochemical functional groups in their synthesis and stabilization. SEM and TEM revealed polydisperse, predominantly spherical nanoparticles with an average particle size of approximately 38 nm, while DLS showed a predominant hydrodynamic diameter of 37 nm with a PDI of 0.241. The zeta potential was −3.01 mV, indicating a slightly negative surface charge. EDX confirmed copper and oxygen as the major elemental constituents, and XRD established the monoclinic crystalline CuO phase. The E.A‐CuO NPs exhibited enhanced antimicrobial activity, with the highest inhibition against Pseudomonas aeruginosa at 36.00 ± 0.20 mm. Molecular docking showed favorable interactions with selected microbial target proteins. The nanoparticles also demonstrated concentration‐dependent DPPH radical‐scavenging and α ‐amylase inhibitory activities, with an α ‐amylase IC 50 of 40.12 µg/mL. Overall, the findings demonstrate the multifunctional biological potential of green‐synthesized EA‐CuO NPs.