Glowing copper nanoparticles embedded in graphene oxide-chitosan matrix.

Copper Nanoparticles: A Green Revolution in Medicine?

Rhea Morgan in Tech & Innovation December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Explore how biogenic copper nanoparticles embedded in graphene oxide-chitosan are emerging as powerful tools against bacteria and cancer."

The world of medicine is constantly seeking new, innovative solutions to combat diseases. In recent years, nanoparticle synthesis has garnered significant attention, particularly through biogenic approaches. These methods, which utilize natural sources like fungi, offer a more sustainable and less toxic alternative to traditional chemical processes.

Among the various nanoparticles being explored, copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) stand out due to their cost-effectiveness and potential biomedical applications. However, challenges remain, including ensuring their stability and biocompatibility. To address these issues, researchers are investigating the use of graphene oxide (GO) and chitosan (CS) to create composite materials that enhance the properties of CuNPs.

A groundbreaking study has explored the synthesis of biogenic CuNPs embedded in a graphene oxide-chitosan (GO-CS) composite, evaluating its antibacterial and cytotoxic activities. This research paves the way for new therapeutic strategies, offering hope for more effective and environmentally friendly treatments.

What Makes Biogenic Copper Nanoparticles Special?

Glowing copper nanoparticles embedded in graphene oxide-chitosan matrix.

Traditional methods of synthesizing nanoparticles often involve harsh chemicals and energy-intensive processes. Biogenic approaches, on the other hand, harness the power of living organisms, such as fungi, to produce nanoparticles. This method offers several advantages:

Fungi have emerged as an excellent microbial source for synthesizing metal and metal-sulfide nanoparticles because of:

Metal Tolerance: Fungi can withstand high concentrations of metals, making them ideal for nanoparticle synthesis.
Bioaccumulation Ability: They can efficiently accumulate and process metals, facilitating the formation of nanoparticles.
Ease of Handling: Fungi are relatively easy to culture and manipulate in the lab, simplifying the synthesis process.
Potential for Bioaccumulation: Can lead to more environmentally friendly waste management.
Immunity Towards Toxicity: Offers a safer handling process during synthesis.

Researchers have successfully isolated endophytic fungi from medicinal plants, demonstrating their ability to synthesize CuNPs. One particular isolate, DMTMM004, identified as Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, exhibited remarkable copper nanoparticle-synthesizing capabilities. The use of endophytic fungi not only ensures an eco-friendly process but also enhances the therapeutic potential of the resulting nanoparticles.

The Future of Medicine: Nanoparticles Leading the Way

The study underscores the potential of biogenic CuNPs embedded in GO-CS composites as a promising therapeutic agent. The enhanced antibacterial and cytotoxic activities observed in vitro suggest that these nanocomposites could play a significant role in future medical applications. With ongoing research and development, we may soon see these innovative solutions translated into effective treatments for bacterial infections and cancer, marking a new era in sustainable and targeted medicine.

About this Article -

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1166/jnn.2019.15887, Alternate LINK

Title: Synthesis Of Biogenic Copper Nanoparticles Embedded In Graphene Oxide-Chitosan Composite And Its Anti-Bacterial And Cytotoxic Activities

Subject: Condensed Matter Physics

Journal: Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology

Publisher: American Scientific Publishers

Authors: Subramanian Mugesh, Renganathan Arun, Kulanthaiyesu Arunkumar, Marudhamuthu Murugan

Published: 2019-05-01

Everything You Need To Know

What are biogenic copper nanoparticles, and why are they gaining attention in medicine?

Biogenic copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) are tiny particles of copper produced using living organisms, such as fungi, instead of traditional chemical methods. They are gaining attention because they offer a cost-effective and potentially less toxic alternative for biomedical applications. Researchers are exploring CuNPs, particularly when combined with materials like graphene oxide and chitosan, to create composite materials with enhanced stability and biocompatibility for treating bacterial infections and cancer. This approach is considered more environmentally friendly compared to conventional nanoparticle synthesis.

How do fungi contribute to the synthesis of copper nanoparticles, and what advantages do they offer over chemical methods?

Fungi are excellent microbial sources for synthesizing metal nanoparticles, including copper nanoparticles (CuNPs), due to their metal tolerance, bioaccumulation ability, and ease of handling in the lab. Specific fungi, like Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (isolate DMTMM004), can efficiently accumulate and process metals, simplifying the nanoparticle formation process. Using fungi offers advantages such as reduced reliance on harsh chemicals, lower energy consumption, and the potential for environmentally friendly waste management through bioaccumulation. Endophytic fungi, isolated from medicinal plants, can also enhance the therapeutic potential of the resulting nanoparticles.

What are graphene oxide (GO) and chitosan (CS), and why are they used in conjunction with biogenic copper nanoparticles?

Graphene oxide (GO) and chitosan (CS) are materials used to enhance the properties of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs). GO provides a support structure and can improve the stability and dispersion of the nanoparticles. Chitosan, a natural polysaccharide, enhances the biocompatibility and delivery of the CuNPs. Combining biogenic CuNPs with GO and CS creates a composite material that improves the nanoparticles' antibacterial and cytotoxic activities, making them more effective for therapeutic applications. These composites address challenges related to stability and biocompatibility, which are crucial for medical applications.

In what ways could biogenic copper nanoparticles embedded in graphene oxide-chitosan composites revolutionize medical treatments?

Biogenic copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) embedded in graphene oxide-chitosan (GO-CS) composites show promise in revolutionizing medical treatments by offering more effective and environmentally friendly solutions for bacterial infections and cancer therapy. These nanocomposites exhibit enhanced antibacterial and cytotoxic activities, suggesting they could play a significant role in future medical applications. The combination of biogenic synthesis and composite materials addresses limitations of traditional methods, potentially leading to more targeted and sustainable medicine. While the study highlights in vitro results, further research is needed to translate these findings into clinical applications.

What are the potential environmental benefits of using biogenic methods for synthesizing copper nanoparticles compared to traditional chemical synthesis methods?

Biogenic methods for synthesizing copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) offer several potential environmental benefits compared to traditional chemical synthesis methods. These methods harness the power of living organisms, such as fungi, reducing the reliance on harsh chemicals and energy-intensive processes. The use of fungi also allows for bioaccumulation of metals, which can lead to more environmentally friendly waste management. This approach aligns with the principles of green chemistry, aiming to minimize pollution and promote sustainability in nanoparticle production.