Synthesis of silver and copper oxide nanoparticles using Myristica fragrans fruit extract: Antimicrobial and catalytic applications

The pericarp of Myristica fragrans fruit extract was utilized for a low cost, eco-friendly synthesis of silver (AgNPs) and copper oxide (CuONPs) nanoparticles. The aqueous fruit extract of the plant was used as reducing and stabilizing agents for this preparation. Characterization of the biosynthesized nanoparticles was carried out using UV -Vis spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy and X -Ray Diffraction studies. Morphology and size of the particles was observed using Field -Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and High Resolution Transmission Elec- tron Microscopy (HRTEM). The copper and silver nanoparticles show Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) band at 360 and 478 nm respectively in the UV -Vis spectrum. It was observed that size of the synthesized copper oxide and silver nanoparticles are in the range 10 -50 nm. The presence of copper and silver elements was confirmed from their respective EDS spectrum. Involvement of phytochemicals in the stabilization and reduction of the nanoparticles was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. CuONPs exhibited catalytic activity in 1,3 -dipolar cyclo- addition reaction between azides and terminal alkynes to form 1,2,3-triazoles. Silver nanoparticle possesses good antibacterial activity against multidrug human pathogens Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis . The present study focuses on the utilization of the less economic part of Myristica fragrans fruit ?s pericarp for the preparation of copper oxide and silver nanoparticles which have good catalytic and antibacterial activities.