INNOVATIVE GREEN SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF COW URINE-DERIVED CUPROUS OXIDE NANOPARTICLES FOR ANTI-MICROBIAL ACTIVITY

Imbabazizayo Prosper; Tuyizere Aime; Harshil Majethia; Said Salim Said

doi:10.22270/ujpr.v11i2.1532

Imbabazizayo Prosper Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Marwadi University, Rajkot, Gujarat, India.
Tuyizere Aime Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Marwadi University, Rajkot, Gujarat, India.
Harshil Majethia Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Marwadi University, Rajkot, Gujarat, India.
Said Salim Said Zanzibar Food and Drug Agency (ZFDA), Zanzibar, Tanzania.

10.22270/ujpr.v11i2.1532

Keywords:

Antimicrobial activity, ascorbic acid, cow urine, cuprous oxide nanoparticles, green synthesis

Abstract

Background: The rise in bacteria resistant to antibiotics is a serious global health problem, pushing the search for new ways to fight them. Using green synthesis to synthesize nanoparticles is a sustainable alternative to traditional, more polluting methods. This research looks at using cow urine, a natural resource with components that can help in the synthesis, to create cuprous oxide (Cu₂O) nanoparticles.

Methods: We synthesized Cu₂O nanoparticles through a simple green process that uses cow urine and ascorbic acid to reduce the starting materials. Then, we used several techniques UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, and Zeta potential/DLS – to check the nanoparticles and find out their properties like size and stability. Finally, we tested how well the nanoparticles could kill/deactivate Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria.

Results: The tests confirmed presence of Cu₂O nanoparticles, with a key absorbance at 419 nm. FTIR showed the presence of Cu-O bonds and other chemical groups. The nanoparticles were moderately stable, with a zeta potential of -4.732 mV, and their size was around 271.3 nm. They were effective against both bacteria, but S. aureus was more sensitive to them.

Conclusion: This study shows that it's possible to produce Cu₂O nanoparticles in a green and easy way using cow urine and ascorbic acid. These nanoparticles can effectively fight bacteria, suggesting they could be a valuable tool in the fight against antibiotic resistance and a more sustainable approach to making nanomaterials.

Peer Review History:

Received 3 February 2026; Reviewed 11 March 2026; Accepted 12 April; Available online 15 May 2026

Academic Editor: Dr. Emmanuel O. Olorunsola, Department of Pharmaceutics & Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Uyo, Nigeria, [email protected]

Reviewers:

Dr. Eyassu Mathewos, Department of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wachamo University, Durame Campus, Durame, Ethiopia, [email protected]

Dr. Noha El Baghdady, MTI University, Cairo, Egypt, [email protected]