ABSTRACT This study explores the synthesis of biologically active copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO‐NPs) from Pterocarpus santalinus L.f. bark gum extract using green methods, highlighting their diverse applications as cost‐effective, eco‐friendly catalysts and potent antimicrobial agents. It systematically assesses their structural, optical, and catalytic properties to demonstrate their effectiveness in organic synthesis, dye degradation, and antibacterial activity. The structural, morphological, surface, and optical properties were characterized through UV‐Vis, FTIR, EDS, XRD, FESEM, HRTEM, BET DLS, ZETA, LC‐MS, and photoluminescence analysis of CuO‐NPs. XRD confirmed the formation of phase‐pure monoclinic CuO, while HR‐TEM revealed a nano‐bean‐like morphology. DLS showed a narrow particle size distribution; zeta potential measurements (−18.9 mV) show good stability. BET analysis demonstrated a mesoporous architecture with a moderate specific surface area of 11.6 m 2 /g, favorable for catalytic applications. LC–MS profiling of the bark gum extract identified phytochemical constituents responsible for nanoparticle reduction as a capping agent. The nano‐CuO acted as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for Knoevenagel–Michael cyclo‐condensation to synthesize tetrahydrobenzobpyran derivatives with yields of 78%–91%. The CuO‐NPs were harnessed as a good catalyst for the reduction of methylene blue (MB) dye, achieving nearly 95% removal efficiency in the presence of NaBH 4 . Antimicrobial assays witnessed that CuO‐NPs were functioning more effectively against S. aureus (gram‐positive)and E. coli (gram‐negative) bacteria. Thus, the study emphasizes the multifaceted role of CuO‐NPs as a potent antimicrobial agent and an eco‐friendly catalyst, demonstrating a promising approach for both environmental and biological applications.
Dhanasekaran et al. (Sun,) studied this question.