Synthesis and evaluation of antioxidant and antibacterial behavior of CuO nanoparticles

[Display omitted] ► CuO nano particles were succesfully prepared via direct thermal decomposition method. ► This process is less time consuming and drawn less temperature during precursor preparation. ► CuO nanoparticles showed efficient antioxidant activity and bactericidal effect against different kind of bacteria. CuO nanoparticles were synthesized by thermal decomposition methods and characterized by UV–visible spectroscopy, XRD and TEM analysis. The resultant particles are nearly spherical and particle size is in the range of 15–30nm. The antioxidant behavior of synthesized CuO nanoparticles was evaluated by scavenging free radicals of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl hydrate (DPPH). The free radical scavenging activity of CuO nanoparticles was monitored by UV–visible spectrophotometry. The antibacterial activity of CuO nanoparticles was tested against different bacterial strains. CuO nanoparticles showed efficient antioxidant activity and bactericidal effect against Eschericia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.