Biogenically derived chitosan-encapsulated MgO/CuO nanocomposites using Croton persimilis Müll. Arg. extract: a green route to advanced therapeutics

Abstract Driven by the biomedical focus on eco-friendly nanomaterials with improved therapeutic qualities and sustainable alternatives this work addresses a research gap by firstly investigating the plant-mediated biosynthesis of chitosan-encapsulated MgO/CuO nanocomposites (Cp-MgO/CuO NC) using Croton persimilis leaf extract, aiming to assess their therapeutic potential. Using HRLC-MS, the existence of several phytocompounds in the extract was identified. The nanocomposite’s physical and chemical properties were characterized using diverse techniques. The Cp-MgO/CuO NC had an irregular or quasi-spherical morphology, ranging from 20 to 30 nm in size. It exhibited substantial DPPH, metal chelation, anti-inflammatory, anti-lipid peroxidation, DPPIV, α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and cytotoxicity activity with IC 50 value of 10.58 ± 0.4, 20.67 ± 0.7, 18.66 ± 0.8, 14.86 ± 0.6, 21.10 ± 0.6, 15.51 ± 0.5, 11.62 ± 0.7, and 192.21 μg/mL, respectively. With reduced oxidative stress, the nanocomposite promoted growth, yielding an 86.67 ± 0.5 % seed germination rate at 1,000 μg/mL. With an LC 50 of 1,198 μg/mL, it was the compatible to Artemia salina . The Cp-MgO/CuO NC showed bactericidal effect against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus . Thus, this study delivers a viable, ecofriendly context for the production of nanomaterials with the potential to formulate stable, biocompatible, and multifunctional bio-nanomedicine in the future.