Biosynthesis of antioxidant nanoparticles using plant extracts is a simple, rapid, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective approach. In this study, in vitro antioxidant copper mixed oxide nanoparticles (CuO/Cu2O) were prepared from the alcoholic extract of Phoenix Dactylifera L. and different aqueous concentrations of CuSO4·5H2O. The composition, crystallinity, morphology, and particle size of CuO/Cu2O NPs were tuned by increasing the CuSO4·5H2O concentration from 4 to 10 mM. Ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed the reduction of CuSO4·5H2O and the formation of the CuO/Cu2O NPs. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the crystalline nature of the CuO/Cu2O NPs with a crystallite size varying from 18 to 35 nm. Scanning electron micrographs (SEM) showed that the CuO/Cu2O NPs have a spherical morphology with particle sizes ranging from 25 to 100 nm. The best antioxidant CuO/Cu2O NPs have a phase ratio of about 1:1 CuO/Cu2O with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.39 mg/ml, an iron-containing reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of 432 mg EFeSO4/100 mg NPs, and a total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of 65 mg EAA/gNPs. The results suggest that the synthesized CuO/Cu2O NPs are excellent antioxidants for therapeutic applications.
Graphical abstract
In this research, the aim was to investigate the influence of pH value in the extraction medium on the phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity of Artemisia herba-alba species used in traditional medicine. For this reason, two analytical methods were used (UV-visible spectroscopy, HPLC). Antioxidant properties of the extracts at different pH were estimated by two tests: total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and DPPH free radical scavenging capacity. The results of the evaluation of phenolic compounds showed that the aqueous extracts in a weak acid medium had a high percentage of phenol content, and the highest value for total phenol content was 90.759±1.267mg GAE/g. Whereas, the HPLC analysis indicated the presence of most of the standard phenolic compounds in the majority of the extracts. For antioxidant activity, the best antioxidants reported in extract at pH=6, with a semi-maximal inhibitory concentration (0.151±0,032mg/ml) and a total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of 66.840±0.241mg EAA/g, which indicates that it is effective antioxidant for therapeutic applications.
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