A novel route for the synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles using Bougainvillea plant flowers extract and antifungal activity evaluation

Maisa'a W. Shammout and Akl M. Awwad

Abstract

A green, cost-effective and eco-friendly method for the synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) using Bougainvillea flower aqueous extract at room temperature was reported. The synthesized CuO NPs were characterized by UV–
visible spectroscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) tecniques. The synthesized particles were highly stable, spherical in shape with an average diameter of 12±4 nm. The CuO NPs were explored for their antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger and responses revealed that CuO NPs are highly efficient to inhibit the fungal growth and zone of inhibition were comparable with standard drug. The green route for the synthesis of CuO NPs is suggested in view of promising antifungal activity.