Phytosynthesis of Copper Nanoparticles Using Extracts of Spices and Their Antibacterial Properties

To prevent microbial growth, chemical solvents are typically utilized. However, chemical solvents are hazardous to human health with low antimicrobial effects. Metallic-element (such as copper, silver, and gold) nanoparticles have many applications in biotechnology and biomedicine. Copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) are efficient owing to their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative properties. The objective of this study was to perform biogenic synthesis of copper nanoparticles using three different spices (star anise, seed of Illicium verum; nutmeg, seed of Myristica fragrans; and mace, membrane covering the seed of Myristica fragrans) and determine their antibacterial properties. CuNPs of spices were prepared by dissolving copper sulfate in the respective plant extract. They were then characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, GC-MS, EDAX, and SEM analysis. Results of UV-Vis spectroscopy showed the maximum absorbance peak at 350 nm. SEM analysis showed that the sizes of these CuNPs were in the range of 150–200 nm. EDAX analysis confirmed the presence of copper and oxygen and revealed that copper existed in an oxidized form. FTIR spectroscopy showed the presence of different functional groups in these synthesized nanoparticles. GC-MS analysis revealed compounds such as Anethole D-limonene, heptadecanoic acid, 16-methyl-, methyl ester, myristene, methyl eugenol, and methyl stearate, indicating the presence of functional groups. The antibacterial activities of the three extracts from spices were analyzed using growth zone inhibition and TLC-bioautography methods. The results showed that star anise spice extract had the highest antibacterial activity. These results indicate that such CuNPs phyto-formulated with spice extracts having antibacterial properties could be used as potential therapeutics for microbial diseases.