Utilization of Mother Nature’s Gift for the Biofabrication of Copper/ Copper Oxide Nanoparticles for Therapeutic Applications

Abstract: This review enumerates the green cum biosynthesis of copper/copper oxide nanoparticles (Cu/CuO NPs) using plant and biogenic extracts. Moreover, it explores the biogenic synthesis of Cu/CuO NPs using different methods and elaborates on biological and eco-friendly modes of synthesis using different plant species. The survey revealed that biological methods involve the use of plant extracts, bacteria, protozoa and fungi. However, plant mediated nanomaterials synthesis is the best technique. Some of the microscopic characterization techniques, like XRD, SEM, TEM, FTIR, XPS, BET and UV–Vis, have been discussed to explore the size, shape, structure, composition and porosity of Cu NPs. The current review highlights the phytosynthesis, characterization and therapeutic applications of Cu/CuO NPs. The therapeutic applications of Cu/CuO NPs, like antimicrobial, anti-parasitic and anticancer activities against a variety of gram-negative and positive bacteria, fungi and human cancer cells, respectively, have been discussed. Keywords: Biosynthesis, Phytosynthesis, Cu/CuO NPs, Microscopic techniques; Therapeutic applications.