Synthesis and characterizations of luminescent copper oxide nanoparticles: Toxicological profiling and sensing applications

Abstract Here, we report the biogenic preparation of luminescent copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles via peel extracts of Musa acuminate. The current methodology provides the sustainable alternative of using agricultural fritter as effective stabilizing and reducing agent during the synthesis of CuO particles. The parameters governing the optimization of CuO nanoparticles were scrutinized by varying the concentrations of copper salt, stirring rate and pH of the reaction media. The toxicity profiling of CuO nanoparticles over the germination of Vigna radiate. Allium cepa genotoxicity and antibacterial assay were also examined to verify the biocompatibility of prepared CuO particles. The in-vitro biocompatibility of the developed nanoparticles was tested against mouse L929 fibroblastic cell lines by using MTT assay in range of 1–80 μg/mL. The distinctive optical and luminescence properties have been employed for sensing application for heavy metal ions using UV–vis. and fluorescence spectrophotometric analysis. The value of detection of limit for the developed sensor was found to be 2 μg/L. The low values of detection limits facilitate the practical utilization of CuO nanoparticles for sensing applications. As prepared CuO nanoparticles can act as a biocompatible fluorophore nominee to substitute existing dyes. The current study provides the additional advancement towards the sensing of toxic metal using green and safe CuO nanoparticles.