Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Research Articles

Toxicological evaluation of copper oxide nanoparticles following their intraperitoneal injection to Wistar rats.

Copper oxide (Cu2O) nanoparticles (CO NPs) are in extensive use during our everyday life as antimicrobial agent, lubricant, in manufacturing electrodes of lithium ion batteries as well as for photo catalytic degradation of organic pollutants. Due to extensive and diverse use Cu2O NPs, they are likely to accumulate in the environment and to affect the live forms. Present investigation was aimed to report the biocompatibility of CO NPs in Wistar rats in sex specific manner. CO NPs, having average diameter of 14.06nm, were synthesized by co-precipitation method and scanning electron microscopy and X ray diffraction were used for their characterization. For 14 consecutive days, Wistar rats (6weeks old) of both sexes were intraperitoneally injected with 10mg/mL saline/Kg body weight of CO NPs, while the control groups intraperitoneally received saline solution for same duration. Behavioral tests (open field and novel object recognition), complete blood count, selected biomarkers of oxidative stress and Copper concentration in brain and liver were determined in all subjects. High mortality rates [male 40% and female 60%] were observed in rats exposed to CO NPs. A sever decrease in body weight was also observed in both male and female rats exposed to CO NPs. Female rats treated with CO NPs spent significantly more time with novel object as compared to control [P=0.05] during second trial of novel object test. CO NPs treated female rats had higher mean corpuscular hemoglobin [P<0.001] levels and Copper concentration in liver [P=0.04] than control. Male rats exposed to CO NPs had significantly higher mean corpuscular volume [P=0.02] and superoxide dismutase [SOD] [P=0.04] in lungs than their control group. All other studied parameters non significantly varied upon comparison between CO NPs treated and untreated rats of both sex. In conclusion, we are reporting that intraperitoneal injections of CO NPs for 14days can disturb complete blood count and biomarkers of oxidative stress in lungs of Wistar rats.

Synthesis and characterization of a composite incorporating metal organic frameworks, copper oxide nanoparticles, and graphene oxide and evaluating its multifaceted potential in photocatalysis and electrochemical sensing

Synthesis and characterization of a composite incorporating metal organic frameworks, copper oxide nanoparticles, and graphene oxide and evaluating its multifaceted potential in photocatalysis and electrochemical sensing

Biogenic Synthesis of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles from Aloe vera: Antibacterial Activity, Molecular Docking, and Photocatalytic Dye Degradation.

Green synthesis methods offer a cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach to producing nanoparticles (NPs), particularly metal-based oxides. This study explores the green synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles using Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) leaf extract. The characterization revealed a unique sago-shaped morphology revealed by field-emission scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. Distinctive metal-oxygen bonds at 521 and 601 cm-1 were confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Furthermore, UV-visible spectroscopy revealed absorbance at 248 nm, suggesting electron transitions across energy bands and varying surface conduction electrons. The band gap value indicated the presence of quantum confinement effects, which were probably caused by the distinctive morphology and surface structure of the biogenic NPs. Additionally, molecular docking studies were carried out against key proteins of Salmonella typhi and Listeria monocytogenes, namely, listeriolysin O (PDB ID: 4CDB), internalin (InlA) (PDB ID: 1O6T), Salmonella effector protein (SopB) (PDB ID: 4DID), and YfdX (PDB ID: 6A07) using AutoDock 4.2. The results revealed binding energies against S. typhi and L. monocytogenes proteins, indicating potential interactions establishing the foundation for further in-depth understanding of the molecular basis underlying the observed antibacterial effects in vitro against S. typhi, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and L. monocytogenes. Antibacterial activity evaluation yielded impressive results, with CuO NPs displaying significant activity against S. typhi and L. monocytogenes, exhibiting zones of inhibition values of 13 ± 0.02 and 15 ± 0.04 mm, respectively. Moreover, the CuO NPs demonstrated remarkable photocatalytic efficacy, resulting in the degradation of 77% of the methylene blue dye when exposed to UV irradiation. This study highlighted the potential of green-synthesized CuO NPs derived from A. vera with their unique morphology, interesting spectroscopic properties, and promising antibacterial and photocatalytic activities.

Onion Peel Extract/Copper Oxide Nanoparticles as Corrosion Inhibitors for Carbon Steel in Hydrochloric Acid: Extraction, Characterization, Electrochemical Study, and Theoretical Explorations

The effectiveness of onion peel extract (OPE) as a corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel in a 1 M hydrochloric acid solution was investigated using weight loss (WL) techniques, potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and surface morphological examination. Additionally, this process was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). According to weight loss measurements, the protective efficiency of OPE increases with rising OPE concentration and decreases with increasing temperature of the corrosive solution. Polarization curves indicate that OPE acts as a mixed-type inhibitor in hydrochloric acid. The adsorption mechanism, supported by EIS results, shows that charge-transfer resistance increases and double-layer capacitance decreases with higher inhibitor concentration. The adherence of OPE to carbon steel follows the Langmuir isotherm, indicating a physical adsorption process, and the spontaneous adsorption of the inhibitor molecules is evidenced by the negative values of Gibb’s free energy of adsorption. The synergistic effect of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO–NPs) in combination with OPE on the corrosion inhibition of carbon steel was also evaluated. The results demonstrated that the inhibition efficiency of OPE is enhanced in the presence of CuO–NPs due to synergistic interactions between OPE extract molecules and CuO–NPs. The electron-donating capacity of the chemical components in OPE was confirmed through theoretical studies employing quantum chemistry methods.

Comparative analysis of the antimicrobial activity of copper and copper oxide nanoparticles against Botrytis cinerea

Comparative analysis of the antimicrobial activity of copper and copper oxide nanoparticles against Botrytis cinerea

Impact of surface treatment and addition of CuO NPs of surface roughness of acrylic denture base bonded to soft liner

Background: The import of the rough surface makes the application of several elements to enhance this feature vital for the adhesion of soft liners. Aim: The study's goal was to to ascertain the impact of copper oxide nanoparticles added in two ratios to heated-cured acrylic resin and fiber laser surface treatment on surface roughness. Materials and methods:60 acrylic specimens in the shape of discs were manufactured and divided into three groups: one received no addition; the other two received the addition of 0.3% CuO NPs; and a third group that received the addition of 0.5% CuO NPs. Each group was divided into two categories: those that were laser treatment and those who did not. The surface roughness test was then examined using a roughness tester called a profilometer. Results: The average roughness values were high for the control groups and low for the CuO NPs 0.5% groups. The mean values in the laser-treated groups had greater roughness than the control groups, according to the laser application.Conclusion:. As the fraction of CuO NPs increased, the surface roughness reduced. The laser treatment also reduced surface roughness.

Antioxidant, antiglycation, and antibacterial of copper oxide nanoparticles synthesized using Caesalpinia Sappan extract.

Synthesis of metal nanoparticles using plant extracts is environmentally friendly and of increasing interest. However, not all plant extracts can meet successfully on the synthesis. Therefore, searching for the high potential extracts that can reduce the metal salt precursor in the synthesis reaction is essential. The present study explores the synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) using Caesalpinia sappan heartwood extract. Phytochemical analysis and determination of the total phenolic content of the extract were performed before use as a reducing agent. Under the suitable synthesized condition, a color change in the color of the solutions to brown confirmed the formation of CuONPs. The obtained CuONPs were confirmed using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, photon correlation spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray, and Fourier transform infrared analysis. The synthesized CuONPs investigated for antioxidant, antiglycation, and antibacterial activities. CuONPs possessed antioxidant activities by quenching free radicals with an IC50 value of 63.35 µg/mL and reducing activity with an EC range of 3.19-10.27 mM/mg. CuONPs also inhibited the formation of advanced glycation end products in the bovine serum albumin/ribose model with an IC50 value of 17.05 µg/mL. In addition, CuONPs showed inhibition of human pathogens, including Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Escherichia coli, and prevention of biofilm formation and biofilm eradication, with maximum inhibition of approx. 75%. Our findings suggest that C. sappan extract can be used to obtain highly bioactive CuONPs for the development of certain medical devices and therapeutic agents.

Investigation of structural and optical properties of TM-doped CuO NPs: Correlation with their photocatalytic efficiency in sunlight-induced pollutant degradation

The presence of non-biodegradable, toxic, and harmful organic pollutants in various environmental mediums poses significant threats to ecosystems and human health. This study investigates the impact of transition metal (TM) doping on the photocatalytic performance of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) in degrading methylene blue (MB) dye under sunlight irradiation. CuO NPs are synthesized using the co-precipitation method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed a monoclinic structure with space group C2/c for undoped and TM–doped CuONPs, with crystalline sizes ranging from 13 nm for undoped to 36 nm for Zn-doped CuO. Based on UV–Visible Spectroscopy data, the band gap energies and the nature of electronic band transitions are determined using a new simplified calculation method. Accordingly, direct band gap energy exhibits a slight red-shift as a result of doping with Ni, Mn or Fe, from 1.427 eV for undoped to 1.402 eV for Fe-doped CuO. While Co or Zn doping, induces a trivial blue-shift to 1.468 eV and 1.434 eV respectively. The CuO particles show a heterogenous distribution size and shape. The mean grain size raised from 34.3 nm for undoped to about 100 nm for TM-doped CuONPS, excluding the Co-doped CuO for which the mean grain size reached 154.532 nm with highest standard deviation heterogeneity of 125.737 nm. Furthermore, photocatalytic experiments demonstrated that TM-doping significantly enhanced the degradation rate of MB dye under sunlight irradiation. Co-doped CuO is the most efficient catalyst. This makes TM-doping a promising pathway for the use of CuO NPs in wastewater decontamination applications.

A study of EMI shielding efficiency, dielectric, and impedance properties of polymer nanocomposites reinforced with Graphene nanoplatelets, montmorillonite, and copper oxide nanoparticles

ABSTRACT In the present study, polyvinylchloride (PVC) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) blended nanocomposites comprised of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs), montmorillonite (MMT), and copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles were prepared through solvent casting approach. The structural and morphological measurements confirmed the presence and dispersion of nanofillers in the polymeric chains. Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential-scanning calorimetry (DSC) investigations suggested the improved thermal stability for nanocomposite with 1.5 wt% GNPs loading having minimum weight loss and reduction in Tm due to the presence of GNPs, MMT, and CuO acting as a barrier to oxygen molecule diffusion and polymer-chain movement in the nanocomposite. The dielectric and impedance properties of PVC/PMMA/MMT/GNP/CuO nanocomposite investigated in 1 Hz to 20 MHz frequency range and at room temperature have shown improved dielectric constant upto 90.59 in 1 Hz frequency. The σac measures to be improved by 0.0034 (S/m) after adding GNPs, MMT, and CuO resulted from the interfacial polarization effect. The cole–cole plot investigations have shown the formation of semicircles for higher nanofiller loadings of nanocomposite. A drastic improvement in the SETotal was observed from lower to higher nanofiller concentrations. The total SE obtained for the nanocomposite with 2.5 wt% GNPs is upto 5 dB in 8–12 GHz range with absorption dominant nature of nanocomposite.

Ecofriendly synthesis of copper oxide-chitosan nanocomposites and their efficacy as nano-pesticide and nano-fertilizer

Chemical pesticides and fertilizers are a long time threat to human health and environment. One of the prime risks in pest management is the resistance to insecticide applied. There is demand for formulations which are eco-friendly, effective in small amounts, biodegradable and economically viable. The demand for organic formulations and nanomaterials to control the pests of economically important plants is rising every day. Mealy bugs and fruit flies are the major pests and their control has been a serious issue in pest management. The current research work was conducted to synthesize copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) from Eucalyptus leaves and nanocomposites comprising chitosan through a green way to evaluate the insecticidal efficacy of prepared nanomaterials. The nanomaterials were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV–Visible spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). CuO NPs showed crystalline monoclinic structure in XRD pattern. Different concentrations of nano-pesticides were tested against mealy bugs and fruit flies to find out % mortality and LC50 values. The LC50 values in mealy bugs for extract, CuO NPs, CuO-Chitosan nanocomposites (NCs) and CuO-Chitosan NCs with Cu layer were found to be 10.45 ppm, 6.96 ppm, 4.58 ppm and 3.29 ppm, respectively. Results showed that mortality enhanced with rising pesticides concentration, so plant extract, CuO NPs, CuO-Chitosan NCs and CuO-Chitosan NCs with Cu layer showed 50 %, 70 %, 80 % and 90 % mortality at the highest concentration (10 ppm). The synthesized nanomaterials significantly improved seeds germination, yield and growth parameters in maize whenever used as nano-fertilizers. The results showed that prepared nanomaterials have good insecticidal effects as well as the best fertilizer properties. So, the products having dual application as nano-pesticides and nano-fertilizers have promising future in agriculture.

Heterogeneous Fenton process using GO@Fe3O4/Cu catalyst for the degradation of reactive dyes from aqueous solutions: modeling and optimisation

ABSTRACT Various industries such as textile, paper, rubber, plastic, and cosmetics use dyes to produce their products. Some dyes used in textile industries are teratogenic, carcinogenic, mutagenic, and dangerous for humans and other organisms. This study aimed to determine the amount of removal of reactive dyes from aqueous solutions during the heterogeneous Fenton process. In this study, iron oxide nanoparticles and copper nanoparticles were loaded on graphene oxide (GO). GO@Fe3O4/Cu catalyst was synthesised and applied to remove reactive dyes from aqueous solutions in a heterogeneous Fenton process. Contact time, pH, catalyst dose, dye concentration, and H2O2 dose were considered effective parameters. Experiments were designed according to the Box-Behnken design in the Design Expert software. Catalyst properties were determined using SEM, VSM, XRD, and FTIR analysis. The ANOVA showed that the selected statistical model with R2 0.965, p < 0.0001, and F-value 27.79 was significant. In the optimal conditions of pH 3, H2O2 dose 0.48 mL, catalyst dose 0.34 g/L, dye concentration 22 mg/L, and contact time 9 min, the degradation efficiency of Reactive Blue 21 (RB21), Reactive Red 195 (RR195) and Reactive Red 19 (RR19) were 92, 97, and 80%, respectively. The results showed that after 5 cycles of recycling, the catalyst had a high efficiency in pollutant removal and could be utilised many times for dye decomposition. GO@Fe3O4/Cu catalyst was successfully synthesised using a simple method. The heterogeneous Fenton process with a magnetic catalyst in the presence of H2O2 has a high potential to remove reactive dyes from the aqueous solution.

Novel antimicrobial applications of copper oxide nanoparticles after combination with tissue conditioner used in complete prostheses

BackgroundTissue conditioners are used for treating and improving the tissues supporting complete dentures. On the other hand, recent advances in nanotechnology have revolutionized various fields of science, including dentistry. The present study aimed to investigate novel antimicrobial applications of copper oxide nanoparticle-based tissue conditioner used in complete prostheses.MethodsThe present experimental study included 126 tissue conditioner samples with different concentrations of copper oxide nanoparticles (20%, 10%, 5%, 2.5%, 1.25%, 0.625%, and 0% w/w). The samples were incubated with Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans in 24-well plates for 24 h. Then, samples from the wells were re-incubated for 24 h, and the microorganisms were counted.ResultsThe culture media containing E. faecalis and P. aeruginosa showed significantly different growth between different nanoparticle concentrations following 24 h (P < 0.001), showing a reduction in bacterial growth with increased nanoparticle concentration. Both bacteria did not show any growth at the 20% concentration. However, C. albicans showed significant differences in growth between different nanoparticle concentrations following 48 h (P < 0.001), showing a reduction in growth with increased nanoparticle concentration. Also, the least growth was observed at the 20% concentration.ConclusionsIn conclusion, the CuO nanoparticles were prepared using a green synthesis methon in the suitable sizes. Moreover, the tissue conditioners containing CuO nanoparticles showed acceptable antimicrobial properties against E. faecalis, P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans.

Exploring the efficacy of biosynthesized cupric oxide nanoparticles from Jasminum sambac flower extract in wastewater treatment: Experimental investigations and potential applications

Researchers have shown significant interest in the creation of sustainable green techniques for synthesising metal oxide nanomaterials in the past few years. Plant-mediated production is considered an affordable and feasible alternative to traditional physical and chemical approaches. This study presents a straightforward approach for the environmentally friendly production of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) by a solution combustion technique utilising Jasminum sambac Flower Extract. The CuO NPs produced during biosynthesis were analysed using UV-Vis, XRD, FT-IR, SEM, TEM, HPLC, BET and EDX techniques. The SEM pictures reveal that the fragments possess a sponge-like structure characterised by a substantial surface area. An investigation into the photocatalytic activity of CuO NPs shows that they are effective as a catalyst for the breakdown of methylene blue (MB) when exposed to UV and solar radiation. Furthermore, the study demonstrated a pH dependence in the breakdown of MB. According to the study, the best starting concentration of dye for breaking down things completely is 2.5 parts per million (ppm), which results in a remarkable 79 % disintegration rate. The findings indicate that CuO NPs have the ability to effectively treat water by decomposing contaminants such as methylene blue, providing a sustainable method for treating wastewater.

Chlorophyll-Enriched Chitosan-CuO-ZnO Nanoparticles for Antimicrobial Activities

&lt;p&gt;Chitosan-doped copper oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles (CuO-CS-ZnO NPs) were prepared utilizing sol-gel synthesis route. Chlorophyll was added in the process of making NPs to enhance the effects of these NPs. The prepared NPs were thoroughly analyzed using advanced techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Structural analysis revealed the successful synthesis of irregular shaped NPs with average crystallite size of 10.7 nm. In optical properties, UV-Vis showed the absorption bands associated with different absorption centers in the sample and FTIR revealed various function groups associated with the preparation procedure and chemical used while synthesizing these NPs. On applications side, these NPs efficiently resist the growth of X. axanopodis pv punicea bacteria within 24-48 hours of investigation. Same NPs showed effective antifungal effects on the Alternaria solani. Finally, these NPs were used as food preservative agents where tomatoes were used as the target fruit. Tomatoes coated with NPs exhibited better preservation and a longer shelf life.&lt;/p&gt;

Biosynthesis of cupric oxide nanoparticles: its antiviral activities against TMV by directly destroying virion and inducing plant resistance

Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) is widely recognized as one of the most important plant viruses, causing significant agricultural losses in terms of both quality and yield worldwide each year. This study demonstrated the biosynthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) using orange peel extract for effective control of TMV infection both in vitro and in vivo. After treatment with CuONPs (100 mg/L) for 2 h, TMV particles exhibited evident fragmentation in vitro, reducing infectivity on tobacco plants. Similarly, the application of CuONPs on Nicotiana benthamiana (N. benthamiana) positively impeded viral replication and accumulation in vivo. Interestingly, the expression of systemic resistance-related genes (PR1, PR2, ERF1, and JAZ3) in the host plant was up-regulated by CuONPs treatment, supporting that CuONPs activated plant immunity to inhibit TMV. Importantly, the application of CuONPs (100 mg/L) did not exhibit any toxic effects on tobacco and, instead, resulted in the promotion of chlorophyll content, as well as an increase in the fresh weight and dry weight of the plant when compared to the control treatment. Overall, we proposed that the appropriate concentration of CuONPs (100 mg/L) can directly break viral particles by passivating, boost plant immunity by stimulating systemic acquired resistance (SAR), and provide nutritional supplements to promote plant growth.

Enhancing Diesel Engine Performance with Different Concentrations of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles in Biodiesel Blends

Enhancing Diesel Engine Performance with Different Concentrations of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles in Biodiesel Blends

Enhancing Anticancer Potential: Optimization of Allicin Extraction from Regular Garlic and Characterization of Allicin-Loaded Copper Oxide Nanoparticles

This research aimed to optimize the extraction and purification processes of allicin from regular garlic (Allium sativum) and to evaluate the potential of allicin-loaded copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles for anticancer applications. Initially, various solvents, including MilliQ water, 25% methanol, and phosphate buffer pH 2.5 in 60% methanol, were tested to determine the most effective conditions for extracting allicin. Among these, MilliQ water and 25% methanol demonstrated the highest extraction efficiencies, as evidenced by their absorbance values. The extracted allicin underwent purification and was subsequently characterized using fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). These techniques confirmed the identity and high purity of the allicin. Following purification, the allicin was encapsulated into copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles using an optimized nanoprecipitation protocol. The physicochemical properties of the allicin-loaded nanoparticles were thoroughly characterized. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis revealed a mean particle size of 123 nm, indicating a uniform and nanoscale particle distribution. Zeta potential measurements indicated a surface charge of -28.34 mV, suggesting good stability of the nanoparticles in suspension. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to further analyze the particle size, surface charge, and morphology, providing detailed insights into the structural attributes of the nanoparticles. The successful encapsulation of allicin into CuO nanoparticles not only enhances the stability and bioavailability of allicin but also leverages the unique properties of CuO nanoparticles, which are known for their anticancer, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities. This study underscores the potential of allicin-loaded CuO nanoparticles derived from regular garlic as a promising formulation for pharmaceutical applications, particularly in the field of oncology. These findings warrant further investigation into their clinical efficacy and safety to fully harness their therapeutic potential.

Green synthesis structural, morphological and sonocatalytic properties of CuO nanoparticles assisted by Camellia sinensis (Tea) extract

In this green synthesis approach for copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles (NPs), the reducing agent obtained from Camellia sinensis (Tea) extract was used. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ultraviolet visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) and Selected Area Electron Diffraction (SAED) techniques were used for as-prepared sample characterization. From XRD result, the crystallite size estimated by Scherrer method was found to be 35 nm. Morphological results reveals that the CuO NPs possesses small particle size with the range of 40–45 nm, led to high surface area, which enhances the absorption of more number of dye molecules, which results in high degradation efficiency. Present work reveals that degradation of malachite green (MG) dye in aqueous solutions under sonocatalytic treatment. CuO NPs exhibit excellent degradation efficiency against MG dye (95 % removal in 70 min). Moreover, the rate constant for the degradation efficiency was investigated with pseudo- first and second order kinetics. Moreover, CuO NPs possesses potential antibacterial activity against human pathogens such as Gram-positive (Staphylococcus pyogenes) and Gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa).

Influence of argon irradiations on modifying the surface properties and optical behavior of polymer composite films

ABSTRACT The composites PVA/CuO, which is made of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONP) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) are created by the solution casting production process. The surface properties of the PVA/CuO composite were then altered using a cold cathode ion source for using these samples in optical devices. The PVA/CuO samples were exposed to argon fluencies of 3 × 1017, 6 × 1017, and 9 × 1017 ions.cm−2. By raising the fluence from 3 × 1017 to 9 × 1017 ions.cm−2, the contact angle is reduced from to 48.43° to 32.52°, while the work of adhesion increased from 119.93 mJ/m to a 132.86 mJ/m. Using the Wemple and Di-Domenico approach, the optical characteristics were computed. The absorption edge is reduced from 2.71 eV for PVA/CuO to 2.56, 1.99, and 1.82 eV, for the samples as exposed to 3 × 1017, 6 × 1017, and 9 × 1017 ions.cm−2 respectively. And the Urbach tail changed from 1.3 eV for the pure film to 1.6, 1.66, and 4.23 eV, and the bandgaps decrease from 3.67 eV to 3.56 eV, 3.48 eV, and 3.32 eV. The obtained results shows the irradiated PVA/CuO films are more applicable for use in optical devices.

Nano-encapsulation of fenugreek and coriander essential oils using copper oxide NPs: Novel approach for augmenting their effectiveness against Colletotrichum nymphaeae

Nanotechnology has become a driving force in several sectors, particularly in improving plant disease control and agricultural practices. It is predicted that the integration of nanotechnology into research will revolutionise the management of post-harvest losses in horticultural crops. The emergence of resistant fungal strains due to the overuse of artificial antifungals highlights the need for alternative solutions. Harnessing the natural antifungal properties of plant essential oils (EOs) encapsulated in environmentally friendly nanosystems shows promise in addressing this challenge. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of encapsulating EOs extracted from fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) and coriander (Coriandrum sativum) within copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) against Colletotrichum nymphaeae. The study showed that the EOs derived from fenugreek and coriander plants significantly inhibited the growth of C. nymphaeae mycelium. This inhibition was observed at concentrations of 600 and 900 ppm after 3 and 6 days of incubation. CuO-NPs effectively inhibited the growth of C. nymphaeae mycelium at various concentrations over different incubation periods, with the highest inhibition (approximately 99.9 %) observed at 900 ppm after six days. Encapsulation of these EOs in CuO-NPs showed synergistic effects against C. nymphaeae, achieving over 90 % inhibition of mycelial growth. Furthermore, the use of CuO-NPs encapsulated EOs resulted in a significant reduction in mycelial growth at different concentrations and time points. When fenugreek EOs were encapsulated with CuO-NPs, they had a stronger impact on the growth of C. nymphaeae mycelium compared to coriander EO. This impact was discernible across concentrations ranging from 90 to 900 ppm. Over an incubation period spanning 3, 6, 9, and 12 days, the inhibitory effects were observed to be 100 %, 100 %, 95.6 %, and 96.7 %, respectively. This study highlights the potential of encapsulated EOs as effective antifungal agents for pathogen control, offering practical solutions for disease management in agriculture.