Response surface methodology based Box-Behnken Design for statistical optimization of Curcuma caesia mediated copper...

Curcuma caesia, a lesser known therapeutically potential herb, rich in bioactive compounds but still limitedly used for pharmaceutical applications due to poor solubility, stability and bioavailability of active constituents. To overcome these limitations, the present study aims to synthesis unipot copper oxide nanoparticles through eco-friendly green synthesis approach using Curcuma caesia extract as stabilizing and reducing agent. The synthesised nanoparticles were initially optimized using one variable at a time approach followed by statistical validation through Response Surface Methodology framework based on Box-Behnken Design. Synthesised nanoparticles were further characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, SEM, TEM and XRD which confirmed the crystalline spherical nanoparticles of 50-70 nm size with distinct Surface Plasmon Resonance peak at 430 nm. FTIR analysis revealed the synthesis mechanism including reduction and capping of nanoparticles with bioactive compound. Further, biological assays demonstrated that synthesised nanoparticles exhibited strong antioxidant activity with IC₅₀ value of 13.037 nM through DPPH assay followed by strong antibacterial activity, membrane lipid peroxidation (75.2-16.4%), anti-inflammatory (62-72%) and anti-diabetic activity (36.62-59.79%). These findings highlight the potential of Curcuma caesia mediated copper oxide nanoparticles as strong therapeutic agent and directing it towards biomedical applications.