Green Synthesis of Copper Nanoparticles Using Azadirachta Indica Leaf Extract and Their Antimicrobial Activity
Gayatri Vishnu Ghandge, Aarti Bhagwan Gawande
Rajesh Bhaiyya Tope College of B. Pharmacy Chh. Sambhaji Nagar
Abstract:
The increasing need for eco-friendly and cost-effective methods for nanoparticle synthesis has led to the exploration of plant-based green synthesis techniques. This study focuses on the green synthesis of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) using Azadirachta indica (neem) leaf extract as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent. The bioactive compounds present in neem extract, including flavonoids, polyphenols, and terpenoids, facilitate the reduction of copper ions (Cu²⁺) to copper nanoparticles (Cu⁰), ensuring controlled particle size and enhanced stability. The formation of CuNPs was confirmed through UV-Vis spectroscopy, showing a characteristic surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak between 520–580 nm. Further characterization using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the interaction of functional groups involved in nanoparticle formation, while Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) revealed a spherical morphology with a size range of 10–50 nm.
The antimicrobial activity of the synthesized CuNPs was evaluated against common bacterial pathogens, including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, using the agar well diffusion method. The results demonstrated significant antibacterial activity, with a higher zone of inhibition observed at increased nanoparticle concentrations. The superior antimicrobial effect of CuNPs is attributed to their ability to induce oxidative stress and disrupt bacterial cell membranes.
The study highlights the potential of Azadirachta indica leaf extract as an efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable approach for synthesizing CuNPs with promising antimicrobial applications. These findings pave the way for the development of novel antimicrobial agents for medical, pharmaceutical, and environmental applications.
Keywords:- Azadirachta indica (Neem leaf extract), Copper nanoparticles biosynthesis, characterizedUV-Vis spectra, antimicrobial activity.
