Green synthesis and characterization of CuO nanoparticles using Halymenia dilatata extract and its evaluation of antimicrobial, anticancer activity

The present investigation focused on the biosynthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) using Halymenia dilatata seaweed aqueous extract. The biosynthesized CuONPs were successfully characterized using UV, FTIR, XRD, SEM, EDAX, HRTEM, and zeta potential analysis. The ultraviolet visible spectrum reflects maximum absorbance in the scale of 270 nm. The biosynthesized CuONPs had crystalline nature and were investigated using XRD. The FT-IR spectrum of CuONPs showed flavonoids and phenolic compounds could reduce the Cu 2+ ions to CuONPs. SEM results indicated the nanoparticles were spherically shaped and 60 nm in size. The antimicrobial activity of H. dilatata mediated CuONPs was tested against six human pathogenic bacteria, and the highest growth inhibition was observed in B. subtillis (7.5 ± 0.4), S. aureus (6.8 ± 0.1), and K. pneumoniae (5.4 ± 0.8). The anticancer activity of HeLa cell line indicates a significant outcome with IC 50 value (147.51 lg/ml) after 48 h treatment. Graphical Abstract