Green synthesis of copper nanoparticles using bracts of Musa paradisiaca (Monthan) and study of its antimicrobial and antioxidant activity

Nanotechnology is becoming an emerging field of science as it produces nanoparticles that are nanosized with high pore size and surface to volume ratio along with good chemical and physical properties when compared to bulk. Green synthesis of nanoparticles is becoming a most researched topic since it is environmental friendly, cost effective and less toxic. Musa paradisiaca, has high antimicrobial and antioxidant activity and hence used as an antimicrobial agent and antioxidant extensively. Our project mainly focuses on the synthesis of copper nanoparticles in the range of nanoscale using bracts of Musa paradisiaca (Monthan) and characterization of the formed nanoparticle by using SEM-EDX and FTIR Spectroscopy analysis followed by phytochemical screening of flavonoids and phenols and antimicrobial assay using E.coli and S.aureus and antioxidant assay. The present study initialized with the preparation of bract extract by heating the bract sample along with distilled water in the
ratio of 1:3. The extract was then filtered with Whatman filter paper 42 and then it was mixed with 0.05M
copper sulphate in the ratio of 1:1 and heated till the color changed to brownish yellow. The solution was
centrifuged and the collected pellet was dried. SEM-EDX analysis was carried out and the surface topology and
size of nanoparticles was observed and recorded. Phytochemical screening and FTIR Spectroscopy studies were
performed to detect and confirm the presence of functional groups in the bract extract and synthesized nanoparticles. The antimicrobial assay was carried out for the bract extract and the synthesized nanoparticles and effective Zone of inhibition was observed in the synthesized nanoparticle. The antioxidant activity was estimated by DPPH radical scavenging assay and efficient activity was recognized in the synthesized nanoparticle. The synthesized nanoparticle can be effectively used as an antimicrobial and antioxidant agent.