ABSTRACT:

Green synthesis of nanoparticles hasemerged as an environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative toconventional chemical methods. Utilizing plant extracts as reducing andstabilizing agents, this approach eliminates the need for hazardous reagentswhile leveraging the inherent bioactivity of plant compounds. This studyfocuses on synthesizing copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) using the leaf extracts ofRicinus communis. Coppernanoparticles, ranging in size from 30 to 100 nm, are known for theirantimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties, as well as applicationsin agriculture, medicine, and environmental sustainability. The studyhighlights the preparation of aqueous and methanol-based leaf extracts,followed by the synthesis of CuNPs through bioreduction, confirmed by UV-Visspectroscopy and FTIR analysis. UV-Vis spectral analysis showed characteristicabsorbance peaks at 350–580 nm, indicative of surface plasmon resonance. FTIRspectra revealed the presence of functional groups such as phenols, amides, andcarbohydrates, essential for stabilizing CuNPs. Results demonstrated effectiveantimicrobial and antioxidant activity, validating the potential of Ricinus communis in sustainablenanoparticle synthesis. This work underscores the significance ofplant-mediated green synthesis in developing cost-effective, eco-friendlynanoparticles with versatile industrial and biomedical applications. Futureresearch should explore large-scale production and enhanced characterizationtechniques.

Key words : Green synthesis, coppernanoparticles (CuNPs), sustainable nanoparticle synthesis.