Copper nanoparticles: synthesis, stabilization, and antimicrobial screening
Source abstract
Abstract
Copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) have gained increasing attention as a cost-effective alternative to noble-metal nanomaterials due to their strong catalytic, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Their practical use, however, is often hindered by rapid oxidation and limited stability under ambient conditions. In this study, we introduce a fast, aqueous, and environmentally friendly chemical reduction method for producing CuNPs colloidal suspensions using potassium iodide (KI) and chitosan (CS) as dual stabilizers – an approach that has not previously been examined in detail. Three formulations were prepared and analyzed: KI-stabilized (CuNP + KI), CS-stabilized (CuNP + CS), and dual-stabilized (CuNP + KI + CS) suspensions. UV–Vis spectroscopy confirmed successful nanoparticle formation in all systems through the appearance of a characteristic absorption peak at ~ 570 nm. Stability tests showed that the CuNP + KI formulation remained stable the longest (up to ~ 96 h at 4 °C), followed by CuNP + KI + CS and CuNP + CS. Structural characterization of the dried precipitates revealed mixed copper oxide/borate phases, with their proportions depending on the stabilizer used. Preliminary antimicrobial screening demonstrated that KI-stabilized CuNPs suspensions possess notable antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger and Candida lipolytica. No antibacterial activity was observed at the concentrations tested, likely because the CuNPs levels were insufficient to generate a detectable response, indicating the need for further investigation at higher concentrations. Overall, these results highlight an eco-friendly and efficient method for producing CuNPs colloidal suspensions with promising environmental and biomedical relevance. While KI appears to be a highly effective stabilizer, tuning the chitosan content in dual-stabilized systems may further enhance nanoparticle stability and potentially strengthen their antimicrobial performance.
Source: openaire · Quality: candidate unverified · Source record ↗
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Nanoparticles: synthesis and applications · Nanomaterials and Printing Technologies · Copper-based nanomaterials and applications
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
References (49)
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