Synthesis, Characterization of Biogenic Copper Nanoparticles and Their Therapeutic Activity

Green synthesis of copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) is an economical, environmentally friendly and non-toxic approach that has been the subject of research in health and industry. Therefore, in this study, Cu NPs were synthesized using Pimpinella anisum (P.anisum) seed extract and their pharmacological activities were evaluated. Characterization of Cu NPs was performed by UV-vis, FT-IR and SEM-EDX analyses. Copper metal was reduced by reacting with the seed extract and reached the maximum peak at 385 nm in the UV-vis spectra, confirming the surface plasmon resonance. FT-IR spectroscopy showed the participation of phytochemical components in P. anisum in the synthesis. SEM analysis determined that the size of the biosynthesized nanoparticles is 10-20 nm in diameter and has a spherical structure. Strong signals of copper metal were confirmed by EDX analysis. The therapeutic effect of Cu NPs was evaluated by antioxidant and antibacterial assays. The DPPH radical scavenging activity IC50 inhibition values of Cu NPs were better than the seed extract and exhibited strong antioxidant activity. Antibacterial activity was performed by the disk diffusion method and Cu NPs were more effective against gram-positive bacteria. It had the highest zone diameter (18.0±2.8 mm), especially on Bacillus subtilis bacteria. These results showed that Cu NPs may have a selective effect against drug-resistant bacteria as an alternative agent to pharmaceutical applications. This study showed that P. anisum seed extract-mediated bioconjugation of Cu NPs can be done simply, quickly and cost-effectively. As a result, Cu NPs should be supported by more detailed in vivo studies to create antioxidant and antibacterial agents.