Environmental sustainable: Biogenic copper oxide nanoparticles as nano-pesticides for investigating bioactivities against phytopathogens

• Published in: Environmental research 2023-08, Vol.231 (Pt 1), p.115941-115941, Article 115941
• Main Authors: Manzoor, Muhammad Aamir, Shah, Iftikhar Hussain, Ali Sabir, Irfan, Ahmad, Ajaz, Albasher, Gadah, Dar, Afzal Ahmed, Altaf, Muhammad Ahsan, Shakoor, Awais
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: A. indica; Antioxidant; Copper oxide nanoparticles; Green synthesis; Plant pathogen
• ISSN: 0013-9351; 1096-0953
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115941

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are of interest in human physiopathology and have been extensively studied for their effects on the endocrine system. Research also focuses on the environmental impact of EDCs, including pesticides and engineered nanoparticles, and their toxicity to organisms. Green nanofabrication has surfaced as an environmentally conscious and sustainable approach to manufacture antimicrobial agents that can effectively manage phytopathogens. In this study, we examined the current understanding of the pathogenic activities of Azadirachta indica aqueous formulated green synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) against phytopathogens. The CuONPs were analyzed and studied using a range of analytical and microscopic techniques, such as UV–visible spectrophotometer, Transmission electron microscope (TEM), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The XRD spectral results revealed that the particles had a high crystal size, with an average size ranging from 40 to 100 nm. TEM and SEM images were utilized to verify the size and shape of the CuONPs, revealing that they varied between 20 and 80 nm. The existence of potential functional molecules involved in the reduction of the nanoparticles was confirmed by FTIR spectra and UV analysis. Biogenically synthesized CuONPs revealed significantly enhanced antimicrobial activities at 100 mg/L concentration in vitro by the biological method. The synthesized CuONPs at 500 μg/ml had a strong antioxidant activity which was examined through the free radicle scavenging method. Overall results of the green synthesized CuONPs have demonstrated significant synergetic effects in biological activities which can play a crucial impact in plant pathology against numerous phytopathogens. •CuONPs were prepared with A. indica as an eco-friendly nanopesticide, acting as an antioxidant and antimicrobial agent.•A. indica extract served as both reducing and capping agent for the bio-synthesis of CuONPs.•Prepared green synthesized CuONPs exhibited significant antimicrobial activities against phytopathogens.•A.indica mediated CuONPs showed significant antioxidant activity.