Bio-functionalization, stabilization and potential functionalities of hyaluronate macromolecules capped copper oxide nanoparticles

The optical-electrical properties of CuO-NPs (copper oxide nanoparticles) are being expanded widely for hightechnological uses. In accordance with the idea of an eco-friendly synthesis process, CuO-NPs were synthesized utilizing a safer method; stabilized by biopolymer sodium hyaluronate (SH) rather than a hazardous substance. Using one variable at one time method with constant reaction variables, the synthesis parameters were optimized and the characteristics of CuO-NPs were controlled. The resulting particles exhibited restricted distribution, were typically round or oval in form and particle size of 17 +/- 1.3 nm (by TEM and SEM), strongly crystalline (by XRD) and were noticeably stable. The experimental analysis of FT-IR documented that the redox reaction between biopolymers and metal cations; coupled by capping effect of thin layer of SH-macromolecules, are primarily responsible for the formation and stabilization of CuO-NPs. Also, CuO-NPs exhibited strong bactericidal (ZOI 22-27 nm; antibiofilm potential 71-85%), anti-diabetic (70-72%), DNA cleavage and antioxidant activity (70-85%). Additionally, SH-stabilized CuO-NPs demonstrated catalytic activity for the reduction of catalytic dyes, degrading at a rate of over 91-93% in about 10-20 min. The current synthetic technique may be applied consecutively to synthesize catalytically active CuO-NPs which exhibited remarkable in-vitro biological and biomedical capabilities, possessing the potential to be exploited as a broad-based agent in a variety of biomedical and industrial processes, including the treatment of wastewater.

Automated summary

The optical-electrical properties of CuO-NPs have been widely expanded for high-tech applications. In this study, CuO-NPs were synthesized using a safer and eco-friendly method by stabilizing them with biopolymer sodium hyaluronate (SH). The resulting CuO-NPs exhibited controlled characteristics and were stable, crystalline, and of restricted distribution. The synthesis process was found to be primarily responsible for the formation and stabilization of CuO-NPs through redox reaction and capping effect. Additionally, the SH-stabilized CuO-NPs demonstrated strong bactericidal, anti-diabetic, DNA cleavage, and antioxidant activities, as well as catalytic activity for dye reduction. These findings highlight the potential of CuO-NPs as versatile agents in various biomedical and industrial processes, including wastewater treatment.