Tamarindus indica seed polysaccharide-copper nanocomposite: An innovative solution for green environment and antimicrobial studies

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to synthesize ecofriendly nano-composite in which agricultural waste (seeds of Tamarindus indica) was used to synthesize tamarind seed polysaccharides (TSP) and its composite with copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) for the purpose of green and clean environment as well as reduction of green-house gases. Confirmation of extracted TSP, synthesized nanocomposite was carried out using FTIR, SEM, PXRD and EDX techniques. In FTIR analysis TSP gives a strong broad peak at 3331 cm^-1 due to -OH group and in case of composite its intensity is reduced which might be due to the interactions between -OH and Cu⁺² ions. SEM analysis gives that TSP have irregular and rough surface while Cu-NPs exhibited spherical morphology and composite showed clustering of spherical shape to rough surface. EDX analysis quantitatively represented copper having atomic ratio 0.57 % which confirms the synthesis of composite. Furthermore, synthesized composite demonstrated excellent antibacterial activity against gram-positive (S.aureus) and gram-negative bacteria (E.coli) even greater than standard medicine (ciprofloxacin). From this study it was revealed that agriculture waste can be utilized to make environment green as well as synthesized composite from agricultural waste seed also displayed excellent antimicrobial activities which directs that they can be utilized in medical field. This study aims to assess the antimicrobial properties of the nanocomposite, aiming to contribute to the development of effective antimicrobial agents. Through these objectives, the research seeks to bridge the gap between green technology and antimicrobial efficacy, offering a promising avenue for both environmental conservation and healthcare advancements.

Keywords: Agricultural waste; Antibacterial activities; Cu-nanoparticles; Green environment; Tamarind seed polysaccharides (TSP).

Fig. 1

a) Tamarind seed collected, b) tamarind seeds after removing their outer testa/shell, c) grinding of tamarind seed to make its powder, d) extracted tamarind seed polysaccharides (TSP) from tamarind seed.

Fig. 2

a) Tamarind seed polysaccharides nanoparticles, b) Tamarind seed polysaccharides nanoparticles with copper nanoparticles to form composite.

Fig. 3

Fig. 3 a SEM image of tamarind seed polysaccharides nanoparticles. b SEM image of copper nanoparticles. c SEM image of composite made up of copper nanoparticles and tamarind polysaccharides nanoparticles.

Fig. 4

a) EDX spectrum of composite, b) weight and atomic percent of elements.

Fig. 5

FTIR spectrum of a) Tamarind polysaccharides nanoparticles, b) copper nanoparticles, c) composite made up of tamarind polysaccharides nanoparticles and copper nanoparticles.

Fig. 6

PXRD of a) copper nanoparticles, b) composite made up of tamarind polysaccharides nanoparticles and copper nanoparticles.

Fig. 7

Antibacterial images of gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strain using composite.