Green synthesis of antimicrobial silver–copper nanoparticles using Banana and pineapple peel extracts: A sustainable approach for biomaterial sterilization

Abstract

This study aims to advance sustainable nanotechnology by developing an eco-friendly method for synthesizing antimicrobial bimetallic silver-copper nanoparticles (AgCuNPs) using readily available agricultural waste and a photoreduction process. This approach can potentially minimize environmental impact while enabling the sterilization of tilapia skin grafts for biomedical applications. The synthesized AgCuNPs were characterized using UV–Vis and Fourier transform infrared [FTIR] spectroscopies, X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force (AFM) microscopy, and Zeta potential . The photoreduction method yielded spherical nanoparticles with diameters ranging from 15 to 40 nm and a negative surface charge. The resulting nanoparticles comprised AgCl, pure Ag, and pure Cu nanostructures . These AgCu nanoparticles exhibited enhanced antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus , Escherichia coli , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , and Candida albicans compared to monometallic nanoparticles and AgCuNPs prepared by conventional green synthesis methods. Moreover, the nanoparticles effectively sterilized tilapia skin without compromising its collagen structure, demonstrating their potential for applications in biomaterial sterilization.