Green Synthesis of Copper and Copper Oxide Nanoparticles From Brown Algae Turbinaria Species' Aqueous Extract and Its Antibacterial Properties

Background Copper and copper oxide nanoparticles synthesized by green methods have attracted considerable attention due to their environmentally friendly properties and potential applications. Green synthesis involves non-hazardous and sustainable techniques used in the production of a wide range of substances, including nanoparticles, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. These methods often use different organisms, including bacteria, fungi, algae, and plants, each offering different advantages in terms of simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability. The environmentally friendly nature of these green synthesis methods responds to the growing need for sustainable nanotechnologies. Brown algae have gained popularity due to their distinct morphological characteristics and diverse biochemical composition. This research focuses on the process of synthesizing copper and copper oxide nanoparticles from the brown algae . It emphasizes the natural ability of the bioactive compounds contained in the algae extract to reduce and stabilize the nanoparticles. The green synthesis of copper and copper oxide nanoparticles from brown algae has demonstrated a wide range of applications, including antibacterial activity. Materials and methods Fresh algae were collected from marine environments to ensure that they were free of contaminants. The algae underwent a purification process to remove impurities and were dried. An aqueous extract was prepared by pulverizing the dried algae and mixing them with distilled water. A copper salt solution utilizing copper nitrate was prepared. The algae extract was mixed with the copper salt solution. There are bioactive compounds in the algae extract that help reduce copper ions, which makes copper and copper oxide nanoparticles come together. The reaction mixture was incubated in a controlled environment to facilitate the growth and enhance the stability of the nanoparticles. To separate the nanoparticles from the reaction mixture, centrifugation was employed, or filtration was done with Whatman filter paper (Merck, Burlington, MA). The nanoparticles were dried to yield a stable powder. Results Copper and copper oxide nanoparticles derived from brown algae extract showed antibacterial effects against and . The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis verified the irregular shape and elemental content of the synthesized copper and copper oxide nanoparticles. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis indicated that the synthe