Green synthesis and characterization of copper nanoparticles using Bauhinia variegata extracts: Antibacterial efficacy against Diabetic wound pathogens

The green synthesis of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) using Bauhinia variegata leaf extract presents a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable approach to developing alternative antimicrobial agents. Bauhinia variegata is a medicinal plant rich in bioactive compounds, including anthraquinones, flavonoids, phenolic glycosides, alkaloids, saponins, reducing sugars, and tannins, which facilitate nanoparticle formation and stabilization. The synthesis of CuNPs was indicated by a color change from light to dark green and confirmed through UV-Vis spectroscopy and FTIR analysis, which identified key functional groups responsible for nanoparticle stabilization. The antibacterial potential of the synthesized CuNPs was evaluated against Pseudomonas spp., Klebsiella spp., and Staphylococcus spp., revealing significant inhibitory effects. Among the tested species, Pseudomonas spp. exhibited the highest susceptibility, while Staphylococcus spp. showed the lowest inhibition. Ethanol extracts demonstrated superior antimicrobial activity compared to other solvent extracts. These findings highlight the potential of Bauhinia variegata-mediated CuNPs as promising antimicrobial agents, particularly against multidrug-resistant bacterial strains. Further research should explore their mechanism of action and potential applications in pharmaceutical and biomedical fields.