Amoxicillin-functionalized copper oxide nanoparticles: synthesis, characterization, and multifunctional biological efficacy in combating infections and oxidative damage
摘要
This study investigates the synthesis and characterization of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) functionalized with Amoxicillin (CuO@Amoxicillin) using the sol–gel method, evaluating their multifunctional biological properties. UV–Vis spectroscopy showed an absorption peak at 367 nm for CuO, with Amoxicillin loading shifting it from 292 nm to 303.5 nm and reducing the band gap to 1.79 eV (direct) and 2.06 eV (indirect) from 2.49 eV and 2.185 eV, respectively. XRD confirmed monoclinic-phase CuO, with crystallite size rising from 16.91 ± 3.34 nm to 18.31 ± 6.08 nm post-functionalization. FTIR revealed new peaks (2037, 1980, 1628, 1603, 1476 cm⁻¹), verifying conjugation. CuO@Amoxicillin exhibited superior antioxidant activity (Total Antioxidant Capacity: 277.93 ± 4.19 mg AA/g vs 193.38 ± 11.89 mg AA/g; DPPH IC50: 0.19 ± 0.07 mg/mL vs 0.75 ± 0.03 mg/mL), photoprotection (SPF 53 ± 1.48 vs 37 ± 0.82), and anti-inflammatory effects (IC50 0.02 ± 0.006 mg/mL vs 0.5 ± 0.48 mg/mL). Antibacterial inhibition zones reached 44 ± 0.21 mm (S. aureus), antifungal zones 13 ± 0.33 mm (S. cerevisiae), and antibiofilm activity reduced formation to 14.66% at 160 μg/mL. This synergy enhances efficacy against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, oxidative stress, and chronic inflammation, highlighting CuO@Amoxicillin’s potential as a novel nanomedicine.