Green synthesis and characterization of Zinc and Copper oxides nanocomposite using Phyllanthus emblica extracts and its antibacterial and antioxidant properties

Abstract

As bacterial resistance becomes more pronounced, the development of antibacterial nanomaterials provides a viable solution to this growing issue. This approach can help address the problem and reduce its effects on people's health and safety. The present study involves the synthesis of ZnO/CuO nanocomposites through a green synthesis approach, utilizing Phyllanthus emblica leaf extract. ZnO/CuO nanocomposites were characterized using ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry (UV–Vis), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and zeta potential. The XRD analysis confirms the amorphous nature of the ZnO/CuO nanocomposite. The Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis revealed the existence of chemical compounds containing C–H, O–H, and C = O functional groups. The average size of the nanocomposite was obtained as 64.4 nm using SEM and EDX results, confirming the presence of Cu, Zn, and Oxygen. The mean size of the nanocomposites was determined to be 40.4 nm through TEM. The present study assessed the antibacterial properties of ZnO/CuO nanocomposites against four pathogenic bacterial strains, namely Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Gram-negative), Bacillus sp., and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive). According to the findings, the ZnO/CuO nanocomposites synthesized in a green manner exhibited significant efficacy against all bacteria. Additionally, the ZnO/CuO nanocomposite synthesized using Phyllanthus emblica leaf extract showed superior antioxidant properties compared to ascorbic acid. Overall, the antibacterial and antioxidant properties of the ZnO/CuO nanocomposite nanoparticles suggest their potential for practical applications in addressing antibacterial and antioxidant-related issues.