Abstract
Copper Oxide Nanoparticles (CuONPs) were synthesized using pomegranate peel aqueous extract as a capping agent and reducing agent in the presence of ascorbic acid. The produced CuONPs were characterized using UV-visible absorption spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Dynamic light scattering (DLS), and zeta potential. The CuONPs displayed good stability over a period of 6 months. TEM images of CuONPs showed monodispersity and a spherical shape with a small size (19±1.2 nm). Its size was confirmed as well by using DLS and was 33.2±5 nm. Zeta potential revealed that CuONPs have a negative surface charge ( 16 mV). The UV-vis confirmed the formation of CuONPs, and the absorption band was observed at 281nm at pH 3.5. The functional groups of active components present in the extract were confirmed by FTIR analysis. The CuONPs were tested for antibacterial effects with Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria at different concentrations. In both types, high antibacterial activity was obviously observed. These CuONPs can be used in biomedical applications in the future to overcome conventional drug resistance.