Green and cost-effective biofabrication of copper oxide nanoparticles: Exploring antimicrobial and anticancer applications

•This review provides a comprehensive assessment of the biofabrication of CuO NPs, focusing on green and cost-effective approaches for antimicrobial and anticancer applications.•Highlights the current advancements and insights in the green synthesis of CuO NPs, with a particular emphasis on the utilization of plants, microbes, and natural biomolecules.•Various methodologies employed for the production of CuO NPs are discussed, shedding light on the different techniques and processes involved.•Antimicrobial and santicancer applications of biosynthesized CuO NPs, elucidating their mechanism of action and exploring their potential in combating microbial infections and cancer cells. Nanotechnology has made remarkable advancements in recent years, revolutionizing various scientific fields, industries, and research institutions through the utilization of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles. Among these nanoparticles, copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) have garnered significant attention due to their versatile properties and wide-range applications, particularly, as effective antimicrobial and anticancer agents. CuO NPs can be synthesized using different methods, including physical, chemical, and biological approaches. However, conventional chemical and physical approaches are expensive, resource-intensive, and involve the use of hazardous chemicals, which can pose risks to human health and the environment. In contrast, biological synthesis provides a sustainable and cost-effective alternative by eliminating chemical pollutants and allowing for the production of CuO NPs of tailored sizes and shapes. This comprehensive review focused on the green synthesis of CuO NPs using various biological resources, such as plants, microorganisms, and other biological derivatives. Current knowledge and recent trends in green synthesis methods for CuO NPs are discussed, with a specific emphasis on their biomedical applications, particularly in combating cancer and microbial infections. This review highlights the significant potential of CuO NPs in addressing these diseases. By capitalizing on the advantages of biological synthesis, such as environmental safety and the ability to customize nanoparticle characteristics, CuO NPs have emerged as promising therapeutic agents for a wide range of conditions. This review presents compelling findings, demonstrating the remarkable achievements of biologically synthesized CuO NPs as novel therapeutic agents. Their unique properties and m