Biogenic Synthesis of Copper Nanoparticles Using Hydroethanolic Flower Extract of Tabernaemontana divaricata and Assessment of Antibacterial Properties on Cotton Fabric

Background: Green synthesis of metallic nanoparticles using medicinal plant extracts has emerged as an eco-friendly and sustainable approach for developing bioactive nanomaterials with potential biomedical and textile applications. Tabernaemontana divaricata is a medicinal plant rich in phytochemicals that can act as reducing and stabilizing agents during nanoparticle synthesis. Objective: To synthesize copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) using the hydroethanolic flower extract of Tabernaemontana divaricata, characterize the synthesized nanoparticles, and evaluate their antioxidant and antibacterial properties on cotton fabric. Materials and Methods: Copper nanoparticles were synthesized through a green synthesis approach using hydroethanolic flower extract of Tabernaemontana divaricata. The synthesized CuNPs were characterized using UV–Visible spectroscopy, FTIR, SEM, and XRD analysis. Qualitative phytochemical screening was performed to identify bioactive constituents. Antioxidant activity was assessed by DPPH radical scavenging, FRAP, and Hydrogen Peroxide scavenging assays. Cotton fabrics were coated with CuNPs using the dip-coating method and evaluated for antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis, including wash durability studies. Results: Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, glycosides, proteins, carbohydrates, saponins, and starch. UV–Visible spectroscopy confirmed nanoparticle formation through characteristic surface plasmon resonance. FTIR analysis revealed the presence of hydroxyl and other functional groups involved in nanoparticle stabilization. SEM images showed predominantly spherical nanoparticles, while XRD analysis confirmed their crystalline nature. The synthesized CuNPs exhibited concentration-dependent antioxidant activity in DPPH, FRAP, and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assays. CuNP-coated cotton fabrics demonstrated effective antibacterial activity against both E. coli and B. subtilis and retained considerable antimicrobial efficacy after washing cycles. Conclusion: The study successfully demonstrated the green synthesis of copper nanoparticles using Tabernaemontana divaricata flower extract. The synthesized CuNPs exhibited significant antioxidant and antibacterial activities, and the nanoparticle-coated cotton fabric showed durable antimicrobial properties, highlighting its potential application in medical textiles and healthcare products.