Green synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles using the outer layer of Allium cepa L. and evaluation of its antimicrobial properties

Abstract

The recent antimicrobial resistant to the present antibacterial agents has been the biggest problem in the treatment of antimicrobial infection. Over the years, various strategies has been implemented to overcome the resistance the resistance to the available antibiotic agents. In regards to this, phytochemical found in plants like Allium cepa, which has exhibited potent antimicrobial activity has been used by researchers as natural products to fight against bacterial resistance. Allium cepa also known commonly as onion, is an herbaceous biennial plant in the amaryllis family (Amaryllidaceae) grown for its edible bulb. Copper oxide nanoparticles are one of the most vital nanomaterials used in biomedical application. The phytochemicals in the plant extract were used as reducing and capping agent. The aim of the study is to determine the antimicrobial activity of synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles using Allium cepa (onion) aqueous extracts. The dried outer layer of the Allium cepa was collected and boiled. 150 ml of the plant extract was mixed with 250 ml of the copper nitrate solution, for the purpose of green synthesis. After the reaction was completed, the synthesized nanoparticles was centrifuged, decanted and dried. The dried copper oxide nanoparticles were characterized and accessed for antimicrobial activity. The results of UV-Vis Spectroscopy, FTIR, DLS particles size analysis, TEM and XRD, were obtained and evaluated.