Green-Synthesized Rice-Shaped Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Using Caesalpinia bonducella Seed Extract and Their Applications

Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO Nps) were synthesized using Caesalpinia bonducella seed extract via a green synthetic pathway and were evaluated for electrocatalytic properties by carrying out electrochemical detection of riboflavin [vitamin B-2 (VB2)]. The seeds of C. bonducella are known to have strong antioxidant properties arising due to the presence of various components, including citrulline, phytosterinin, beta-carotene, and flavonoids, which serve as reducing, stabilizing, and capping agents. The synthesized CuO Nps were characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetrc analysis-differential thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy and further used as a modifier for a graphite electrode surface. The modified electrode was electrochemically characterized by cyclic voltammetry, square-wave voltammetry, and chronoamperometry techniques and then assessed for electrocatalysis by carrying out the detection of VB2. The electrochemical sensor could be used for nanomolar detection of VB2 with an observed linear range of 3.13-56.3 nM with a limit of detection of 1.04 nM. The electrode showed good stability and reproducibility over a period of 120 days. The CuO Nps were further analyzed for antibacterial effect with Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and in both cases, high antibacterial activity was clearly observed. The newly synthesized nanoparticles, thus, proved to be an interesting material for electrochemical and biological studies.