Structural, optical, and antioxidant properties of biocompatible CuO-MgO nanocomposites

This study synthesized a CuO-MgO nanocomposite using Tinospora cordifolia (TC) leaf extract through co-precipitation. Characterization using XRD, UV–visible spectroscopy, FTIR, FESEM with EDAX, HRTEM, and DLS-Zeta potential analysis confirmed the formation and properties of the nanocomposite. XRD confirmed the coexistence of CuO and MgO phases. UV–visible spectroscopy showed SPR peaks at 209 nm and 232 nm (MgO), 281.5 nm, and 307 nm (CuO). Indirect and direct band gaps formed within the same nanocomposite were analyzed through the optical conductivity spectrum. FTIR indicated that phenolic and flavonoid groups from the leaf extract acted as capping and reducing agents. FESEM and HRTEM showed spherical morphology, with EDAX confirming the elemental composition. HRTEM micrographs revealed the core-shell structure of TC CuO-MgO NC and SAED bright-spot rings confirming the formation of two phases in the prepared nanocomposite. The average particle size was 49.129 ± 1.2622 nm through HRTEM findings, and DLS-Zeta potential analysis showed a size of 63.266 nm, polydispersity index of 0.137, and zeta potential of −22.8 mV. The nanocomposite demonstrated a hemolysis percentage of 0.5708 ± 0.0016 % at 100 μg/ml, indicating biocompatibility. Its IC₅₀ value for antioxidant activity was 20.8919 μg/ml, close to that of ascorbic acid. These findings suggest that TC CuO-MgO nanocomposite is suitable for optoelectronic, photodynamic therapy, and biomedical applications.