Synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles using tree gum extract, its spectral characterization, and a study of its anti- bactericidal properties

Abstract The synthesis of Copper Oxide nanoparticles was carried out using tree gum extract as a template. The nanoparticles were characterized by UV–Vis, SEM and XRD. Scanning electron microscopy shows a beautiful needle like structure implanted inside the gum framework. Tree gum acts as a good binding agent. X ray diffraction patters show the formation of both CuO and Cu2O nanoparticles of size in the range of 25.40 and 51.56 nm for Moringa Olifera and Acacia Nilotica. The CuO nanoparticles showed good antibacterial activity against two bacterial strains which increase its potential applications. Though the characterization studies of CuO nanoparticles with two different gums showed different ratios of Cu2O and CuO, the antibacterial studies showed fairly similar results.