Durian Shell-Mediated Simple Green Synthesis of Nanocopper against Plant Pathogenic Fungi

The synthesis of fungicides in eco-friendly and cost-effective ways is significantly essential for agriculture. Plant pathogenic fungi cause many ecological and economic issues worldwide, which must be treated with effective fungicides. Here, this study proposes the biosynthesis of fungicides, which combines copper and Cu2O nanoparticles (Cu/Cu2O) synthesized using durian shell (DS) extract as a reducing agent in aqueous media. Sugar and polyphenol compounds contained in DS, as the main phytochemicals acting in the reduction procedure, were extracted under different temperatures and duration conditions to obtain the highest yields. We confirmed the extraction process performed at 70 degrees C for 60 min to be the most effective in extracting sugar (6.1 g/L) and polyphenols (22.7 mg/L). We determined the suitable conditions for Cu/Cu2O synthesis using a DS extract as a reducing agent for a synthesis time of 90 min, a volume ratio of DR extract/Cu2+ of 15:35, an initial pH solution of 10, a synthesis temperature of 70 degrees C, and a CuSO4 concentration of 10 mM. The characterization results of as-prepared Cu/Cu2O NP showed a highly crystalline structure of Cu2O and Cu with sizes estimated in the range of 40-25 nm and 25-30 nm, respectively. Through in vitro experiments, the antifungal efficacy of Cu/Cu2O against Corynespora cassiicola and Neoscytalidium dimidiatum was investigated by the inhibition zone. The green-synthesized Cu/Cu2O nanocomposites, which are potential antifungals against plant pathogens, exhibited excellent antifungal efficacy against both Corynespora cassiicola (MIC = 0.25 g/L, the diameter of the inhibition zone was 22.00 +/- 0.52 mm) and Neoscytalidium dimidiatum (MIC = 0.0625 g/L, the diameter of the inhibition zone was 18.00 +/- 0.58 mm). Cu/Cu2O nanocomosites prepared in this study could be a valuable suggestion for the control of plant pathogenic fungi affecting crop species globally.

Automated summary

This study proposes a method for the synthesis of fungicides using durian shell extract as a reducing agent to synthesize copper and Cu2O nanoparticles. The extraction of sugar and polyphenols from durian shell extract was optimized, and the green-synthesized Cu/Cu2O nanocomposites exhibited excellent antifungal efficacy against plant pathogenic fungi.