Copper nanoparticles synthesized using Echinops sp. root extract for antimicrobial applications

Metallic nanoparticles synthesized using a green synthetic route has been found to be harmful to pathogens. An attempt was made to synthesize copper nanoparticles (EcS-Cu NPs) using the root extract of Echinops sp., Ethiopian medicinal plant. The most advanced techniques were employed to characterize NPs. The presence of the highest absorbance at λmax =454 nm confirms the formation of EcS-Cu NPs. The role of biomolecules as capping agents for EcS-Cu NPs was authenticated by FT-IR spectra. The presence of a single weak peak in the XRD pattern of NPs confirmed the amorphous nature of the NPs. The purity of the NPs was corroborated by the SEM-EDAX analysis. TEM-HRTEM-SAED analysis authenticated the presence of partially crystalline natured copper NPs with the appearance of weak concentric SAED rings. The EcS-Cu NPs showed significant synergistic antibacterial influence verses S. aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and E. aerogenes. The uppermost inhibition zone of 13 mm was inscribed against S. aureus bacteria. EcS-Cu NPs exhibited better antibacterial activities against gram positive and gram negative bacteria.