Biosynthesis Copper Nanoparticles using Blumea balsamifera Leaf Extracts: Characterization of its Antioxidant and Cytotoxicity Activities

A facile and green route of copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) was synthesized using Blumea balsamifera leaf extracts, the optical, morphology and elemental analysis were characterized by UV-Vis spectrophotometer, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX). UV-Vis absorption showed surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak at 540 nm which confirms the formation of Cu NPs. SEM analysis exhibits spherical shape with size 30-55 nm and EDX results revealed that only Cu metal was present in Cu NPs. The phytochemical constituents of Cu NPs and Blumea balsamifera leaf extracts were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The presence of bioactive phytochemical constituents in the ethyl acetate extracts of B. balsamifera and with Cu NPs was identified by GC-MS. Results of antioxidant activity showed that increase in concentration of Cu NPs could further increases the radical scavenging activity up to 69 % at 100 mu g/ml. In addition, the degree of lethality was directly correlated with the concentration of green synthesized Cu NPs indicates the cytotoxicity activity. The present study revealed that the phytochemical active compounds present in B. balsamifera act as bioreductant in the formation of Cu NPs, thus pave the way to its effective application in biomedical, antibacterial and nano-drug delivery systems.