Synthesis of Copper Nanoparticles Using a Different Method: Determination of Its Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity

Abstract

The aim of this study was to obtain copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) through a method of green synthesis that involves using peroxidase enzymes that are partly purified from fig leaves (Ficus carica). CuO NPs were successfully synthesized using the green synthesis method in the experiments performed. Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry of the characteristics of the acquired CuO NPs was performed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The optimum activation temperature for green synthesis was observed to be in 30 min, pH: 8, at 25 o C and in the concentration of 1 mM CuCl2. By using peroxidase enzymes with green synthesis, it was found that the results of the SEM and XRD measurements that acquired the CuO NPs were in the size of 50-120 nm. Afterwards, the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of these nanoparticles were measured, and it was understood from the obtained results that CuO NPs have both antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.