Evaluation of antioxidant and antimicrobial action of copper nanoparticles synthesized from Moringa oleifera pods

Background: Moringa oleifera is a traditional South Indian medicinal plant and an excellent source of antioxidants. Objective: To evaluate the antimicrobial potential of copper nanoparticles (CuONPs) derived from Moringa oleifera pods against urinary tract-infecting microbes. Methods: Phyto constituents of the Moringa oleifera pod were screened. CuONPs were synthesized from Moringa oleifera pod, and it was characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, FTIR, and SEM. Antioxidant activity of CuONPs was also determined. CuONPs discs at 50, 75, and 100 µg/ml were prepared and tested for antimicrobial action against Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Klebsiella pneumonia, Streptococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. The integrity of the E.coli was assayed by determining the lactate dehydrogenase activity. Results: GCMS analysis revealed the presence of Di-n-Octyl Phthalate and 2, 2-diethoxy Propane presence in the Moringa oleifera pod. Antioxidant assay revealed the free radical scavenging property of CuONPs. UV- VIS confirmed the synthesis of CuONPs by showing the λ Vmax at 220nm. SEM analysis revealed the CuONPs size in 40 to 160nm. The FTIR analysis exhibited the presence of OH and C = C groups in the CuONPs. The klebsiella pneumoniae was the most susceptible strain for CuONPs, followed by Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. E. coli showed a significant LDH activity at high concentration of CuONPs. Conclusion: The CuONPs synthesized from the Moringa oleifera pod exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against the microbes.