Exploring the Dual Action of Bimetallic CuO–ZnO Nanoparticles: A Green Approach to Combatting Bacteria and Vector Mosquitoes

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study investigated the biosynthesis of nanoparticles utilizing orange peel extract (OPE) to synthesize monometallic CuO and ZnO nanoparticles, in addition to bimetallic CuO–ZnO nanoparticles. A comparative examination was performed to assess their antibacterial and insecticidal properties. A range of characterization techniques was utilized to ascertain the shape, size, particle size distribution, crystallinity, surface charge, morphology, and optical properties of the biosynthesized CuO–ZnO nanoparticles. The bimetallic CuO–ZnO nanoparticles show markedly superior antibacterial activity relative to their monometallic equivalents. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for CuO–ZnO nanoparticles against pathogenic bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae , was (12.5 to 50 µg/mL). The insecticidal effect on Culex pipiens were evaluated. The LC 50 and LC 90 values for the bimetallic CuO–ZnO nanoparticles were significantly lower at (18.878, 66.447) µg/mL and (26.344, 82.458) µg/mL, respectively, demonstrating enhanced toxicity relative to both CuO and ZnO NPs. The biosynthesized bimetallic CuO–ZnO nanoparticles exhibited remarkable antibacterial and insecticidal characteristics, indicating their potential uses in medicinal and environmental domains.