Green synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles using Justicia adhatoda leaf extract and its application in cotton fibers as antibacterial coatings

Abstract

In this research, the ability of the leaf extract of Justicia adhatoda is observed as a unique reducing agent for bioconversion of copper ions to copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs). CuO NPs have significant antibacterial activity and nontoxicity toward humans. The formation of nanoparticles is confirmed by the color change of the solution from light blue to brown because of the trouble of surface plasmon resonance (SPR). The optical study showed an SPR peak at 280 nm. The interaction of CuO NPs excipients with the biomolecules is studied using x-ray diffraction and particle size is also calculated. Field emission scanning electron microscopy has been applied to recognize the size, shape, and morphology of nanoparticles, which is incorporated in cotton. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that the reduction of CuO NPs was due to the biomolecules present in the leaf extract, which acted as reducing, in addition to capping, agents. The synthesized CuO NPs-coated cotton were tested for antibacterial activity to both gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains, which are applicable for the fabrication of an antibacterial cotton textile.