PLANT-MEDIATED NANOPARTICLES IN ANTIMICROBIAL THERAPY: A REVIEW ON CISSUSQUADRANGULARIS-DERIVED CUNPS AND AGNPS

Nanotechnology has ushered in a transformative era in antimicrobial research, with green synthesis of metal nanoparticles gaining increasing attention due to its sustainability, biocompatibility, and eco-friendliness. Among the various approaches, the use of plant mediated synthesis offers a novel route to fabricate nanoparticles with potent antimicrobial properties. This review focuses on the comparative antimicrobial potential of copper (CuNPs) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized using Cissusquadrangularis, a medicinal plant rich in bioactive phytochemicals. Drawing on existing studies, including those utilizing UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, and SEM for nanoparticle characterization, we explore how factors such as particle size, morphology, and phytochemical capping agents influence their biological activity. Evidence suggests that CuNPs exhibit enhanced antimicrobial and antifungal efficacy compared to AgNPs, particularly against strains like Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Fusariumoxysporum, and Candida albicans. Inhibition zone studies have consistently demonstrated the superior bioactivity of CuNPs, attributed to their unique redox properties and ion release mechanisms. This review underscores the promising potential of Cissusquadrangularis-mediated CuNPs in combating microbial resistance and highlights key areas for future research, including mechanistic studies, clinical integration, and large scale production for medical and industrial applications.