System for the synthesis of copper nanoparticles

Abstract

A system for the synthesis of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs), comprising: a. a unit for the production of plant material configured to process leaves of Catharanthus roseus by washing, drying at 60°C, grinding to powder and boiling in distilled water to produce a plant extract; b. a unit for the preparation of a copper sulfate solution configured to dissolve copper sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO4-5H2O) in distilled water to obtain a solution of the desired molarity; c. a mixing unit configured to combine the plant extract with the copper sulfate solution in a specific ratio to initiate nanoparticle synthesis, facilitating the reduction of copper ions by phytochemicals in the plant extract; d. a purification unit configured to purify the synthesized copper nanoparticles by centrifugation; and e. an analysis unit, comprising: i. a UV-Vis spectrophotometer configured to confirm nanoparticle synthesis by detecting an absorption peak in the 250-300 nm range; ii. a Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) for identifying functional groups involved in nanoparticle synthesis; iii. a dynamic light scattering (DLS) device for measuring the particle size, size distribution and zeta potential of the nanoparticles.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for the environmentally friendly synthesis of copper nanoparticles using Catharanthus roseus leaf extract. The system encompasses sustainable, cost-effective production and characterization for antibacterial and photocatalytic applications.

[0002] The increasing demand for nanoparticles in various fields such as healthcare, environmental remediation, and catalysis has led to an increase in conventional chemical and physical synthesis methods. While effective, these methods often involve toxic chemicals and energy-intensive processes, posing significant environmental and health risks. The use of hazardous reducing agents and stabilizers not only increases production costs but also generates harmful byproducts that render the process unsustainable. Therefore, there is a need for green synthesis methods that are environmentally friendly and economically viable.

[0003] Plant-based nanoparticle synthesis has emerged as a promising alternative, as plants possess a natural wealth of bioactive compounds that can serve as reducing and capping agents. Despite their advantages, many plant-based methods face challenges such as inconsistent results, low scalability, and limited control over the properties of the synthesized nanoparticles. Furthermore, the lack of integrated systems for efficient processing, monitoring, and purification of nanoparticles further complicates the use of these methods for large-scale applications. These challenges necessitate the development of a robust and optimized system to harness the potential of plant-based nanoparticle synthesis.

[0004] The present invention addresses these challenges by providing a systematic approach for the green synthesis of copper nanoparticles using Catharanthus roseus leaf extract. The invention integrates various units for the preparation of plant material, the preparation of copper sulfate solution, the synthesis of nanoparticles, purification, and advanced characterization. This holistic system not only ensures reproducibility and efficiency but also enables environmentally friendly, scalable, and cost-effective production of nanoparticles with antibacterial and photocatalytic properties. By overcoming the limitations of existing methods, this invention paves the way for sustainable and versatile applications in the health and environmental fields.

[0005] The utility model provides a system for producing lipid nanoparticles. The system for producing lipid nanoparticles includes a plurality of liquid storage devices, a plurality of liquid delivery devices connected to the liquid storage devices, a plurality of flow rate measuring devices connected to liquid outlets of the liquid delivery devices, a mixer connected to liquid outlets of the flow rate measuring devices, and an automatic liquid separator connected to a liquid outlet of the mixer. The product collector is connected to a liquid outlet of the automatic liquid separator.The lipid nanoparticle manufacturing system can produce lipid nanoparticles efficiently and stably in batches and has the main advantages of online manufacturing, online monitoring, online dilution, online split feeding and collection, and intelligent manufacturing.

[0006] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which are met by at least one embodiment, are the following.

[0007] It is an object of the present disclosure to improve one or more problems of the prior art or at least to provide a useful alternative

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to use Catharanthus roseus leaf extract, thereby eliminating the need for hazardous chemicals.

[0009] Another object of the present disclosure is the use of inexpensive and readily available raw materials such as plant leaves and copper sulfate.

[0010] Another aim of the present disclosure is to reduce the environmental impact of green synthesis methods.

[0011] Another aim of the present disclosure is efficient, large-scale production of copper nanoparticles.

[0012] A further aim of the present disclosure is to optimize the properties of nanoparticles by varying the reaction parameters.

[0013] Another aspect of the present disclosure exhibits antibacterial and photocatalytic activities suitable for various applications.

[0014] Another objective of the present disclosure is to ensure consistent quality with integrated UV-Vis, FTIR, DLS and TEM analysis.

[0015] Another object of the present disclosure is that the system provides a streamlined and straightforward process that makes the synthesis of nanoparticles easy.

[0016] A further aim of the present disclosure is the possibility of individual adaptation by adjusting reaction parameters, thereby covering a wide range of applications.

[0017] Another subject of the present disclosure are the advanced characterization techniques that ensure the production of high-quality and reliable nanoparticles.

[0018] Another object of the present disclosure is to design the system for both small-scale and large-scale production, thereby providing flexibility in industrial applications.

[0019] Further objects and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0020] The present invention generally relates to the system using Catharanthus roseus leaf extract for the green synthesis of copper nanoparticles, replacing toxic reducing agents.

[0021] One embodiment of the present invention combines units for plant material preparation, copper sulfate solution preparation, mixing, purification, and advanced analysis.

[0022] A further embodiment of the invention enables precise control of the reaction parameters and ensures the reproducibility and scalability of nanoparticle synthesis.

[0023] Another embodiment of the invention includes UV-Vis, FTIR, DLS and TEM techniques for thorough evaluation of nanoparticle properties.

[0024] Another embodiment of the invention is that the synthesized nanoparticles exhibit strong antibacterial activity and outperform standard antibiotics such as streptomycin.

[0025] A further embodiment of the invention is that the nanoparticles effectively degrade dyes such as methyl orange and thus have potential for environmental remediation.

[0026] In a further embodiment of the invention, inexpensive raw materials are used and hazardous chemicals are avoided, making the process economical and environmentally friendly.

[0027] Another embodiment of the invention is that the system is suitable for the healthcare and environmental sectors and addresses the challenges of antibacterial treatment and pollution control.

[0028] The present invention relates to an environmentally friendly system for the synthesis of copper nanoparticles using Catharanthus roseus leaf extract. The system integrates multiple units, including plant material preparation, copper sulfate solution preparation, mixing, purification, and analysis, to ensure efficient and reproducible nanoparticle production. The process utilizes the bioactive compounds in the leaf extract as natural reducing and capping agents, eliminating the need for hazardous chemicals. The mixing unit precisely controls the reaction, which is visually monitored by color changes, confirming the reduction of copper ions to copper nanoparticles. Advanced purification by centrifugation and characterization using UV-Vis, FTIR, DLS, and TEM techniques ensure the production of high-quality nanoparticles with stable and uniform properties. Plant material processing unit

[0029] The plant material processing facility is designed to systematically prepare Catharanthus roseus leaves for nanoparticle synthesis. Fresh leaves are collected and thoroughly washed, first with a mild detergent to remove surface contaminants and then with distilled water to ensure cleanliness. After washing, the leaves are oven-dried at 60°C for 48 hours to completely remove moisture. The dried leaves are then ground to a fine powder in a grinder, which increases the surface area for efficient extraction of phytochemicals. To prepare the extract, 1 gram of the powdered leaves is boiled in 50 ml of distilled water for 20 minutes, which facilitates the release of the bioactive compounds. The resulting solution is filtered through Whatman No. 1 filter paper.1 filtered to obtain a clear extract, which is stored at 4°C for later use. Unit for producing a copper sulfate solution

[0030] This unit focuses on the preparation of copper sulfate solutions at the desired concentrations. A 100 mM standard solution is prepared by dissolving 2.5 g of copper sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO4-5H2O) in 100 ml of distilled water. The system offers the flexibility to prepare solutions with different concentrations, such as 1, 10, 50, and 100 mM, to meet experimental requirements. The consistent preparation of solutions ensures the reproducibility of the synthesis process. Mixing unit

[0031] The mixing unit integrates the prepared plant extract and the copper sulfate solution in a controlled ratio to facilitate the synthesis of nanoparticles. Typically, 1 ml of the plant extract is mixed with 9 ml of the copper sulfate solution (ratio 1:9), which promotes the reduction of copper ions (Cu 2+ ) to form copper nanoparticles (CuNPs). The bioactive compounds in the plant extract serve as both reducing and capping agents. The system visually monitors the reaction, with the solution changing from blue (due to copper sulfate) to green and finally to brown, confirming the formation of nanoparticles. cleaning unit

[0032] The purification unit isolates the synthesized nanoparticles from the reaction mixture by centrifugation. The reaction mixture is centrifuged for 15 minutes at 4500 rpm, separating the nanoparticles from the supernatant. The purified nanoparticles are collected and stored for further characterization and testing. This step ensures that impurities are removed, resulting in highly pure nanoparticles for applications. Analysis unit

[0033] The analysis unit includes advanced subsystems for characterizing the nanoparticles. A UV-Vis spectrophotometer is used to confirm the formation of nanoparticles by scanning the reaction mixture in the range of 200–800 nm, with an absorption peak between 250–300 nm indicating the presence of copper nanoparticles. A Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) is used to identify functional groups in the plant extract responsible for the reduction and stabilization of the nanoparticles, with characteristic peaks at 1674, 1655, 1086, 881, and 851 cm⁻¹. -1can be observed. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) determines the size distribution, average particle size, and zeta potential, with a zeta potential value of -0.525 mV confirming stability. Finally, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) verifies the morphology and dimensions of the nanoparticles at the nanoscale and ensures uniform synthesis. Applications of the system

[0034] The synthesized nanoparticles exhibit antibacterial and photocatalytic dye degradation capabilities. Antibacterial activity is tested on Escherichia coli using the disk diffusion method. Nutrient agar plates are prepared, and bacterial cultures are evenly distributed. Sterile disks loaded with different concentrations (10, 20, and 30 µl) of CuNPs are placed on the agar surface and then incubated overnight at 37 °C. The largest inhibition zone of 16 mm is observed with 30 µl of CuNPs, exceeding the positive control streptomycin. For photocatalytic activity, CuNPs are used to degrade methyl orange dye under sunlight. A reaction mixture of 1 ml of 1 mM methyl orange, 1 ml of CuNPs, and 3 ml of distilled water is exposed to sunlight. UV-Vis spectroscopy measures the decrease in absorption intensity at 500 nm, confirming dye degradation. Advantages of the system

[0035] The system offers several advantages, including environmentally friendly synthesis through the use of Catharanthus roseus leaf extract, thus avoiding hazardous chemicals. It offers flexibility in tuning the properties of nanoparticles by allowing the concentrations of copper sulfate and plant extract to be varied, ensuring versatility. The cost-effectiveness of the raw materials, such as plant leaves and copper sulfate, makes the process economical. Furthermore, the synthesized nanoparticles exhibit multifunctional properties, including potent antibacterial and photocatalytic activities, making them ideal for applications in the health and environmental sectors.

Claims

[1] A system for the synthesis of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs), comprising: (a) a plant material production unit configured to process leaves of Catharanthus roseus by washing, drying at 60°C, grinding into powder and boiling in distilled water to produce a plant extract; b. a copper sulfate solution preparation unit configured to dissolve copper sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO4-5H2O) in distilled water to obtain a solution of the desired molarity; c. a mixing unit configured to combine the plant extract with the copper sulfate solution in a specific ratio to initiate nanoparticle synthesis, wherein the reduction of copper ions is facilitated by phytochemicals in the plant extract; d. a purification unit configured to purify the synthesized copper nanoparticles by centrifugation; and e. an analysis unit comprising: i. a UV-Vis spectrophotometer configured to confirm nanoparticle synthesis by detecting an absorption peak in the range of 250-300 nm; ii. a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) to identify functional groups involved in nanoparticle synthesis; iii. a dynamic light scattering (DLS) device for measuring the particle size, size distribution, and zeta potential of the nanoparticles. [2] The system of claim 1, wherein the plant material preparation unit is configured to prepare the plant extract by boiling 1 gram of powdered Catharanthus roseus leaves in 50 ml of distilled water for 20 minutes, followed by filtering through Whatman No. 1 filter paper. [3] The system of claim 1, wherein the copper sulfate solution preparation unit is configured to dissolve 2.5 g of copper sulfate pentahydrate in 100 ml of distilled water to achieve a concentration of 100 mM. [4] The system of claim 1, wherein the mixing unit is further configured to perform nanoparticle synthesis by mixing the plant extract and the copper sulfate solution in a ratio of 1:

9. [5] The system of claim 1, wherein the analysis unit is further configured to determine the antibacterial activity of the synthesized nanoparticles against Escherichia coli using a disk diffusion test, wherein the inhibition zone increases with the amount of the nanoparticle solution used. [6] The system according to claim 1, wherein the analysis unit is configured to evaluate the photocatalytic degradation efficiency of the synthesized nanoparticles for methyl orange dye under sunlight by UV-visible spectroscopy.