Green Synthesized Copper Nanoparticles Derived from Pterocarpus marsupium Exhibit Cytotoxic Effects and Induce Apoptosis in Cancer Cell Lines

Abstract

Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb., commonly known as Indian Kino or Bija, is a medicinally significant tree valued for its diverse phytochemicals, including flavonoids, tannins, phenolics, and terpenoids, which possess potent antioxidant properties. These phytochemicals have been leveraged for the green synthesis of metallic nanoparticles as a sustainable alternative to conventional chemical methods. This study focuses on the synthesis and multifaceted characterization of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) using P. marsupium leaf extract and evaluates their potential as an anticancer agent. The green synthesis was carried out by reacting an aqueous leaf extract with a copper sulfate solution, with phytochemicals acting as dual-purpose reducing and capping agents. Successful nanoparticle formation was confirmed by UV–Vis spectroscopy, exhibiting a characteristic surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak at approximately 442 nm. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed the crystalline nature of the nanoparticles with particle sizes below 40 nm, while Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) identified functional groups from phytoconstituents involved in nanoparticle stabilization, including O–H, C=O, and Cu–O bonds. In addition to their physicochemical properties, the synthesized CuNPs demonstrated significant cytotoxic activity against human cancer cell lines, likely mediated through the induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and subsequent apoptotic pathways. The eco-friendly and cost-effective nature of this synthesis approach, combined with the promising in vitro anticancer properties of the CuNPs, makes it a compelling platform for nanomedicine. Future research should focus on detailed in vitro and in vivo toxicity studies and a deeper exploration of their therapeutic mechanisms to enable the potential application of P. marsupium-derived CuNPs in oncology.