Bioinspired green synthesis of copper, nickel, and hybrid nanoparticles using Myristica Fragrans seeds: Biomedical applications and beyond

Nanotechnology focuses on materials at the molecular and atomic levels, with sizes ranging from 0.1 to 100 nm. This study explores the synthesis and characterization of copper oxide (CuO), nickel oxide (NiO), and hybrid nanoparticles using an aqueous seed extract from Myristica fragrans. The nanomaterials underwent comprehensive characterization employing various techniques: UV analysis, FTIR spectroscopy, XRD, TGA, EDX and SEM. We explored their biological applications through antioxidant and antibacterial assays. UV analysis determined the optical absorption spectra values for CuO, NiO and hybrid nanoparticles. FTIR analysis confirmed functional groups in the plant extract responsible for capping and reducing the reaction medium. XRD and SEM analysis demonstrated the crystalline nature and morphology of the nanoparticles. CuO nanoparticles exhibited polyhedral morphology, while NiO nanoparticles were primarily spherical with some agglomeration. The CuO-NiO hybrid nanoparticles showed a wurtzite morphology with significant agglomeration and larger mean size than CuO and NiO nanoparticles. EDX indicated higher quantities of Cu and Ni. XRD spectra revealed the average particle sizes of nanoparticles. TGA indicated the thermal stability of the nanoparticles, with hybrid nanoparticles being the most stable. The nanoparticles exhibited excellent antioxidant activity, with hybrid nanoparticles showing the highest values in measuring total antioxidant capacity, total reducing power (TRP), ABTS assay, and DPPH-free radical scavenging assay at 400 μg/mg. Antibacterial assays against multidrug-resistant bacterial strains demonstrated that antibiotics-coated hybrid nanoparticles exhibited potent antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In conclusion, CuO, NiO, and CuO-NiO hybrid nanoparticles mediated by Myristica fragrans showcase promising characteristics for various applications, especially in biomedical and clinical settings. The nanoparticles eco-friendly synthesis and biocompatible nature make them attractive candidates for future research and development.