Phytomediated Synthesis of Copper Nanoparticles Using Jatropha curcas Latex and Their Synergistic Antimicrobial Activity against Pathogenic Microorganisms

Introduction: Green synthesis of copper nanoparticles using plant mediated biomolecules offers an environmental friendly alternative to harmful chemical methods. The latex of Jatropha curcas is rich in phytochemicals and capable of acting as reducing and capping agents during nanoparticle synthesis. This study aimed to synthesize copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) using Jatropha curcas latex and evaluate its antimicrobial activity alone and in combination with selected antimicrobial agents. Methods: Copper nanoparticles were synthesized using latex of Jatropha curcas. The synthesized CuNPs were primarily identified by colour change and spectrophotometric analysis by measuring surface plasmon resonance. Further biosynthesized CuNPs were characterized by FTIR, SEM-EDS, TEM and other relevant analytical techniques. Their antimicrobial potential was evaluated against selected bacterial and fungal pathogens using agar well diffusion and broth microdilution assays. The combinatorial effect of CuNPs with conventional antimicrobial agents was assessed by comparing zone of inhibition. Results: Successful synthesis of CuNPs was confirmed by spectrophotometric and physicochemical characterization, indicating the formation of stable nanoparticles. The biosynthesized nanoparticles showed appreciable antimicrobial activity against the tested microorganisms. Furthermore, the combination of biosynthesized nanoparticles with selected antimicrobial agents demonstrated increased inhibitory effects compared with individual treatments, suggesting a synergistic or additive interaction in 100% of the tested isolates, with significant improvement in antimicrobial efficacy. Conclusions: Jatropha curcas mediated CuNPs represents an environmental friendly antimicrobial nanomaterial with promising potential to enhance effectiveness of available antimicrobial agents. Further mechanistic investigations and invivo studies are warranted to validate their therapeutic potential.