Green synthesis and characterization of spherical copper nanoparticles as organometallic antibacterial agent

A facile and green route for the synthesis of copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) has been achieved using green tea extract as a reducing, capping and stabilizing agent. UV-visible spectra gave surface plasmon resonance at 560 nm. The Cu NPs were characterized using various techniques. The size of the Cu NPs was about 20 nm. Antibacterial activity of biogenic Cu NPs were investigated against bacterial species Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli and compared based on diameter of inhibition zone in disc diffusion assay and minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of NPs dispersed in liquid cultures. The NPs showed better inhibitory activity against Gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus and B. subtilis) compared to Gram-negative bacteria. Toxicity of the NPs was evaluated against animal cell line using MTT assay.