Synthesis, Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity of Copper Nanoparticles from Lavandula Stoechas L. by Green Synthesis Method

Abstract

Metal nanoparticles (copper (Cu), silver (Ag), gold (Au), platinum (Pt), zinc (Zn)) have a wide antimicrobial activity against different types of microorganisms such as gram negative-gram positive bacteria and fungi and are alternatives to antibiotics. Green synthesis is particularly preferred among synthesis methods because it is simple, environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and yields products quickly. In this study, copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) were synthesized using Lavandula stoechas extract as a stabilizing agent, leveraging the properties of this medicinal and aromatic plant. The synthesized CuNPs were characterized, showing that they were spherical and less than 50 nm in size. Their antibacterial activity was assessed using both broth dilution and disc diffusion methods. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for the bacterial strains were as follows: 250 μg/mL for Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Salmonella enteritidis; and 500 μg/mL for Enterococcus faecalis and Escherichia coli. In the disc diffusion test, the inhibition zone diameters increased with higher CuNP concentrations across all Gram-negative and Gram-positive strains. The highest inhibition zones were recorded as 15 mm for B. subtilis, 16.5 mm for S. aureus, 14 mm for E. faecalis, 19.5 mm for P. aeruginosa, 16.5 mm for S. enteritidis, and 13.5 mm for E. coli. In summary, this study demonstrates that CuNPs can be successfully synthesised using Lavandula stoechas extract and exhibit significant antimicrobial properties. These findings suggest that CuNPs could serve as effective alternatives to traditional antibiotics, potentially helping to address the growing issue of antibiotic resistance.

Keywords

• Lavandula stoechas L
• green synthesis
• copper nanoparticles
• antimicrobial activity

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