A Review on Green Synthesis of Copper Nanoparticles Using Plant Extracts: Methods, Characterization, and Applications

This review examines the green synthesis of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) using plant extracts, highlighting eco-friendly, cost-effective, and biocompatible alternatives to traditional chemical and physical methods for sustainable nanotechnology applications.

Studies on green synthesis using plant extracts, comparative analyses with traditional methods, and applications of CuNPs in agriculture, medicine, and wastewater treatment were prioritized [1]. Characterization data, including UV-Vis, XRD, SEM, TEM, FTIR, and EDX, along with particle size and quantitative metrics (e.g., MICs, inhibition zones), were compiled [1].

Green-synthesized CuNPs (1.8-37 nm) exhibit spherical morphology observed by SEM/TEM, surface functionalities identified by FTIR, and elemental composition determined by EDX [2]. Compared to traditional methods such as laser ablation (12 nm) and chemical reduction (10-30 nm), green synthesis reduces toxicity and energy consumption but faces scalability challenges [2]. CuNPs outperform AgNPs, AuNPs, and SeNPs, with MICs of 6.25-25 μg/mL and inhibition zones of 14-18 mm against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli [2]. In agriculture, CuNPs reduce the severity of Fusarium infection by 88% [2].

Green CuNPs are effective germicides and catalysts due to the release of Cu²⁺ ions and generation of reactive oxygen species [3]. However, variable particle sizes and concentrationdependent toxicity, such as 100 mg/L in wheat, limit scalability and environmental safety [3].

Green synthesis offers a sustainable approach to producing CuNPs for applications in agriculture, medicine, and wastewater treatment [4]. Standardized protocols are needed to ensure reproducibility and scalability while minimizing environmental risks [4].