Biogenic copper nanoparticles as a nanoscale solution to address multiple drug resistance in bacteria

Abstract

Resistance towards a number of antibiotics in a variety of microorganisms is expanding at an alarming pace. There is a dire need to devise novel tactics to deal with these minute yet evolving ever clever microscopic entities. One of the possible ways to fight them is through nanoparticles. Green synthesis is an easy way to synthesize nanoparticles by using biological resources as it is cost effective, eco-friendly and large-scale production possibilities exist. Copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) have been synthesized from the aqueous fruit extracts of Ficus sycomorus and their physico-chemical properties as well as antimicrobial activity against Multidrug Resistant (MDR) bacteria is evaluated. The total formation of the Cu nanoparticles was observed visually with a color change and confirmed by the appearance of peak through UV-Vis spectroscopy analysis. The electron microscopy imaging revealed that the biogenic Cu nanoparticles were spherical in shape and had a diameter of 30-40 nm. The synthesized nanoparticles showed promising antibacterial activity against MDR clinical isolates of bacteria.