Green Synthesis of Copper Nanoparticles and Their Applications

Green synthesis of copper nanoparticles harnesses biological resources such as plant extracts, microorganisms and biopolymers to reduce copper ions and stabilise the resultant nanostructures. Phytochemicals including polyphenols, flavonoids and alkaloids serve simultaneously as reducing and capping agents, offering an eco-friendly alternative to conventional chemical routes. Control over reaction parameters—pH, temperature, extract concentration and reaction time—permits tuning of particle size, shape and surface properties, yielding spherical, rod-like or flower-shaped nanoparticles typically between 5 and 50 nm. These biologically synthesised copper nanoparticles exhibit robust antimicrobial activity against a broad spectrum of pathogens, potent antioxidant performance through radical scavenging, and effective photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants under visible light. In biomedicine, they show promise as antimicrobial coatings, wound-healing agents and potential drug-delivery vehicles, while in environmental remediation they act as catalysts for dye degradation and water‐treatment applications. Their low toxicity, cost-effectiveness and scalability underscore their global significance, particularly for sustainable nanotechnology in resource-limited settings. Advances in continuous-flow green processes and hybrid biopolymer systems are further broadening practical deployment, paving the way for tailored copper-based nanomaterials across healthcare, agriculture and environmental sectors.

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Green Synthesis of Copper Nanoparticles and Their Applications publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in green synthesis of copper nanoparticles and their applications across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Nanoparticle: A particle with at least one dimension in the range of 1–100 nanometres.

Green synthesis: Environmentally benign production of nanoparticles using biological agents such as plant extracts or microorganisms.

Bioreduction: Conversion of metal ions to elemental nanoparticles through redox reactions mediated by biomolecules.

Capping agent: Molecule that adsorbs to nanoparticle surfaces to stabilise particles and prevent aggregation.

Photocatalysis: Process in which light energy activates a material to accelerate chemical degradation of pollutants.

References

1. Continuous Flow Synthesis of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Enabling Rapid Screening of Synthesis‐Structure‐Property Relationships. Small (2025).
2. Copper nanoparticles from chemical, physical, and green synthesis to medicinal application: A review. Plant Nano Biology (2024).
3. Fabrication of chitosan and Trianthema portulacastrum mediated copper oxide nanoparticles: Antimicrobial potential against MDR bacteria and biological efficacy for antioxidant, antidiabetic and photocatalytic activities. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules (2023).