Optimization of copper nanoparticle biosynthesis process using aqueous extract of Andrographis paniculata

The competency of aqueous extract of Andrographis paniculata (kalmegh) to reduce copper nitrate for the biosynthesis of copper nanoparticle (CuNPs) was investigated. The experiments were set up according to the design of experiment technique and the results were analyzed for optimization of experimental parameters using response surface methodology centred Box–Behnken design. The size of the spherical shaped copper nanoparticles ranged between 8 to 20 nm. The linear effects of the process parameters as well as their interactions were statistically significant. Antimicrobial activity against both gram positive/negative bacteria were excellently exhibited by the nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were found quite efficient as photocatalysts turning out to be an encouraging advancement towards removal of precarious dye from industrial discharges initiating the ecological detoxification. Almost, 90% degradation of methylene blue dye was detected within 140 minutes using CuNPs.