Phyto-biogenic copper oxide nanoparticles and silver copper oxide nanocomposite from Catharanthus roseus as antibacterial agents

Background Silver and copper oxide nanomaterials have attracted attention in biomedical research as potent antibacterial agents. Ability of plants in reducing metal and oxide ions to nano-compounds, through phytochemical action has drawn accolades to green synthesis. Aim Goal is to demonstrate that synthesis of materials within nanoscale dimensions can be achieved without use of detrimental chemical reagents or heavy machinery and that green nanomaterials CuO and AgCuO, are advantageous biomedical materials with antibacterial activity. Methodology Aqueous extract of leaves and flowers of Catharanthus roseus plant is used for reducing salts into required nanomaterials. Characterisations like UV-Visible Absorption Spectroscopy and FTIR Spectroscopy is done to understand function of C. roseus in the fabrication of bio-nanomaterials. Structural and morphological properties is identified from XRD and Electron Microscopic Analysis. Antibacterial Efficacy of the green synthesised CuO Nanoparticles and AgCuO NC is tested via Agar Well Diffusion Assay against gram-positive bacteria methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Enterococcus faecalis and gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Klebsiella pneumoniae Results XRD pattern exhibiting diffraction planes of both Ag and CuO confirms nanocrystalline AgCuO. SEM shows spherical morphology and significant agglomeration favourable for creating bio-active sites. Surface Plasmon Resonance peaks in Absorption Spectra and EDX provide elemental evidence supporting green bioreduction and stabilizing action of phytochemicals in C. roseus extract, comprehended from FTIR displaying functional groups responsible. TEM and SAED reveal spherical polycrystalline nanomaterials. Agar Well Diffusion Assay shows highest antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Conclusion This study confirms successful green synthesis of Ag and CuO based bio nanomaterials with potential applicability as antibacterial agents.