Rapid synthesis of copper nanoparticles using <i>Nepeta cataria</i> leaves: An eco-friendly management of disease-causing vectors and bacterial pathogens

Abstract Insecticides kill mosquitoes but damage other animals including humans. Eco-friendly metal nanoparticles may be a plant-based pesticide for vector control. Here, the copper (Cu NPs) synthesized from Nepeta cataria leaves have been investigated their antibacterial and larvicidal properties. Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy demonstrated that biochemicals reduced stabilized by shifting peaks 1,049 to 1,492 cm −1 , ultraviolet–visible spectrometry proved produced Cu NPs had peak at 550 nm. Transmission electron microscopic scanning microscope showed particles are spherical 23–29 nm in size. X-ray diffraction analysis shows crystalline. At 100 µg·mL concentration, exhibited higher percentage of inhibition order Escherichia coli ≫ Enterococcus faecalis Staphylococcus aureus . The lethal concentration (LC 50 ) against larvae Aedes aegypti, Anopheles stephensi, Culex quinquefasciatus was determined 60.63, 56.58, 54.32 respectively. This ground-breaking study describes biological production utilizing N. leaf extract first time. Based on these findings, bio-synthesized aqueous provide potential alternative method managing populations.