Biosynthesis of Copper and Iron Nanoparticles using Neem (<i>Azadirachta indica</i>) Leaf Extract and their Anti-bacterial Activity

Abstract

Neem leaves extract was use to synthesize metal (iron and copper) nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and UV-Vis spectrometer. The formation and stability of the reduced metal nanoparticles in the colloidal solution were monitored by UV–Vis spectrophotometer analysis. Their peaks of CuNPs and FeNPs were determined with a particles size in the range of 250nm-550nm and 250nm-350nm and have shapes of spherical and dendrimer respectively. The zone of inhibition by CuNP on gram negative bacteria (Staphylococcus Aureus) is 20mm ± 1 while on gram positive bacteria (Escherichia Coli) is 12.5mm ± 1. Thus, the synthesized metal nanoparticles prove to have very high anti-bacterial activity on both Staphylococci aureus and Escherichia coli. Copper nanoparticles exhibits high antibacterial activity compared to iron nanoparticles.

Keywords: Copper, Iron, nanoparticles, Anti-bacterial activity