Ecofriendly bio-synthesis and spectral characterization of copper nanoparticles using fruit extract of Pedalium murex L.: in vitro evaluation of antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer activities on human lung cancer A549 cell line

The usage of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) is now acknowledged as a promising therapeutic agent in the detection and treatment of cancer. This study aimed to develop a sustainable method for synthesizing CuNPs using Pedalium murex L. and characterization by SEM, FTIR, XRD & UV-Vis methods. The produced CuNPs were primarily spherical and varied in shape, and the average dimension ranged between 20 and 50 nm. The aqueous fruit juice of Pedalium murex L. contained biomolecules that serve as capping and reducing agents for the production of CuNPs, according to the findings of FTIR analysis. Various assays were used to determine the fruit extract's in vitro antioxidant activity. CuNPs exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity and apoptosis promotion in A549 cells. The findings demonstrated that biosynthesized CuNPs using Pedalium murex L. fruit juice have anti-cancer properties and can be used in lung cancer treatment, particularly for early-stage intervention.