Selective amino acid detection by green synthesized copper nanoparticles prepared using basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) flower extract

In this paper, we report a clean and green synthetic route of copper nanoparticles from copper salt using extract of basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) flowers along with the study of their ability for selective amino acid detection. Using ultraviolet visible spectroscopy, the formation of biogenic copper nanoparticles in the medium was monitored at periodic intervals. Standard characterization techniques like high resolution transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction were performed to reveal the microstructure and different phases of these extract-derived nanoparticles. Fourier transform infra-red curve detected the functional organic moieties involved in the capping and surface stabilization of the copper nanoparticles. Most significantly, we demonstrated the selective amino acid sensing ability of these bioengineered copper nanoparticles and discussed the possible mechanism behind this instant visual detection.