Green Synthesis of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Using Prosopis cineraria Extract: Evaluation of Cytotoxic Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity

Abstract Copper nanoparticles (CuONp) have garnered considerable attention due to their unique thermodynamic properties and broad bioactivities, including antioxidant, antibacterial, and cytotoxic effects. The green synthesis of CuONp, which employs natural plant extracts as reducing and stabilizing agents, is an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to conventional methods. This study investigates the synthesis of CuONp using an aqueous extract of Prosopis cineraria and evaluates their biological activities. CuONp were synthesized by mixing P. cineraria extract with copper nitrate under magnetic stirring to promote nanoparticle formation. The synthesis was validated using UV-visible spectroscopy, revealing characteristic absorption peaks indicative of CuONp formation. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH assay, while antibacterial activity was tested against two bacterial strains. Cytotoxicity was evaluated via a brine shrimp lethality assay, measuring nauplii mortality at different CuONp concentrations. UV-visible spectroscopy confirmed the successful synthesis of CuONp. The DPPH assay showed dose-dependent free radical scavenging, with maximum activity at the highest concentration. Antibacterial testing demonstrated significant inhibition zones, indicating strong activity against both bacterial strains. The cytotoxicity assay revealed dose-dependent nauplii mortality, underscoring the cytotoxic potential of CuONp. Green-synthesized CuONp using P. cineraria exhibit strong antioxidant, antibacterial, and cytotoxic properties, highlighting their potential for clinical and therapeutic applications. This sustainable synthesis approach harnesses the bioactive potential of P. cineraria for nanoparticle production.