ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF COPPER NANOMATERIALS: CURRENT STATUS AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

Copper (Cu) is an essential element in governing the health of major organisms such as plants, animals, and human beings. Recently eco-friendly problem-solving methods have drawn considerable attention as they are simple and viable, alternative to numerous physical and chemical methods. A wider application and utilization of metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) have gained momentum as an eco-friendly approach to solve numerous problems. Among the NPs, copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) or copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) have a specialized role, and their use in nanobiotechnology as fertilizers to improve nutrition in the soil for sustainable crop development is also important. Cu-based agro-chemicals have traditionally been used in agriculture to maintain the nutrition and health status of the plants. Biological synthesis of CuNPs/CuONPs using plant extracts and microbial extracts, which showed better antimicrobial potential in inhibiting the growth of plant bacterial and fungal pathogens, was discussed in this chapter. The mechanistic impact of CuNPs/CuONPs against the pathogenic microorganisms of crops was also discussed.