An Insight Into the Green Synthesis Strategies and Applications of CuO Nanoparticles

Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) have garnered growing interest in recent years because of their versatile roles across scientific and technological disciplines. Green synthesis methods, particularly those employing plant or microbial extracts, offer an environmentally sustainable and nontoxic alternative to conventional chemical and physical synthesis of metal nanoparticles. Owing to their chemical stability, thermal durability, and pronounced antimicrobial properties, CuO NPs stand out for their multifunctional applications in both biomedical and catalytic fields. These nanoparticles demonstrate a wide array of biological activities, encompassing antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and anticancer properties. Furthermore, CuO NPs are actively utilized in catalytic degradation of toxic organic dyes, supporting efficient wastewater treatment and environmental remediation. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of green synthesis approaches for CuO NPs using various natural extracts, examines the mechanisms driving nanoparticle formation, and highlights their extensive applications in biomedicine and catalysis, with a particular focus on their efficacy in degrading hazardous organic pollutants.